NS QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

Received the following via email. 

NORFOLK SOUTHERN QUARTERLY EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

  

We cordially invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at 8:45 a.m. EDT to review our first-quarter 2014 results.  We will issue earnings results at 8 a.m. EDT on April 23.

For those interested in participating, we will broadcast via teleconference that will be available by dialing 877-869-3847 several minutes prior to the start of the call.  At the conclusion, you may listen to an audio replay, which will be available until April 30, 2014.  The replay number is 877-660-6853 and access code 13579367.

In conjunction with the call, a live webcast will be accessible and presentation materials will be posted on the company's web site at www.nscorp.com under the Investors section.  Following the earnings call, an Internet replay of the presentation will be archived on the company’s web site.  In addition, the replay will be available for download to a portable audio player or computer as a MP3 - or podcast - file. Both the replay and MP3 file can be found at www.nscorp.com in the Investors section.

For electronic notification of future earnings events, we invite you to subscribe to NSInvest, Norfolk Southern’s e-mail distribution list for news releases on earnings and issues pertaining to the financial performance of Norfolk Southern. To subscribe, please follow directions on our website under the Investors section.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Hostutler

Director Investor Relations

Norfolk Southern Corporation

CSX - State-of-the-Art Terminal Begins Operations in Winter Haven

Received the following via email.

State-of-the-Art Terminal Begins Operations in Winter Haven

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - April 2, 2014 - Evansville Western Railway, an affiliate of CSX, today announced the start of operations at the state-of-the-art intermodal terminal located just off State Road 60. Known as the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center (ILC), this facility serves as a centralized hub for transportation, logistics and distribution serving Orlando, Tampa and South Florida.

The 318-acre intermodal terminal is surrounded by 930 acres that is planned for development of up to 7.9 million square feet of warehouse distribution centers, light industrial and office facilities. The terminal features five 3,000-foot loading tracks and two 10,000-foot arrival and departure tracks. It's estimated the terminal will process up to 300,000 containers a year.

"The Central Florida ILC will add yet another transportation and logistics capability in a state that's already known for excellent ports, great highways, and extensive railroad connectivity," said Clarence Gooden, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at CSX. "The terminal will provide an anchor for economic development in the region and position Florida for future growth while reducing congestion on the highways."

While Evansville Western Railway owns the facility, the terminal is operated by CSX Intermodal Terminals, Inc. with rail service provided by CSX Transportation (CSXT). Containerized freight previously handled at CSX's intermodal terminal in Orlando is immediately being shifted to Winter Haven. CSX will serve the region's intermodal market from the new Central Florida ILC and close its Orlando intermodal terminal. CSXT's Taft yard in Orlando will continue to serve other rail freight needs.

The terminal incorporates cutting-edge technology that is efficient, innovative and environmentally friendly. Several of its green technology initiatives include:
- three high-powered electric cranes that minimize noise and emissions;
- solar panels on each building which provide alternative and renewable energy sources;
- high mast exterior lighting using LED (light emitting diodes) to reduce energy consumption and light pollution;
- silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for its administration buildings.

"This is one of the most technologically advanced facilities of its kind in the country," said Tony Reck, Chairman and CEO of Evansville Western Railway. "The ripple effect of this terminal's operations will be felt statewide and beyond - ultimately setting the stage for future growth in the region. Without the tremendous support and visionary leadership of Winter Haven and state officials, none of this would have been possible."

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Kristin Seay
904-359-3442

CSX Announces Winners of 2013 Chemical Safety Excellence Awards

Received the following via email. 

CSX Announces Winners of 2013 Chemical Safety Excellence Awards

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - April 2, 2014 - CSX today announced the winners of its 20th annual Chemical Safety Excellence Award, representing dozens of customers recognized by CSX for their commitment to safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail.

More than half of the 2013 recipients are repeat winners, demonstrating their lasting partnerships with CSX and continued dedication to safety by shipping via rail.

"This year's award winners share in CSX's dedication to the safe and secure transportation of chemical products," said Michael J. Ward, CSX's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Safety is a core value at CSX, and we are immensely proud to partner with this year's winners to uphold the highest standards in chemical safety."

Ward and other CSX leaders, joined by Edward R. Hamberger, president and chief executive officer of the Association of American Railroads, recognized the award winners at Washington, D.C.'s historic Union Station. Ward and other speakers thanked the customers for their safety efforts and business, and provided updates on industry trends, challenges and opportunities.

The Chemical Safety Excellence Awards are presented to customers who ship more than 600 carloads of hazardous materials during the year without a release due to factors such as not securing valves or closures properly. CSX and its customers work together to ensure that hazardous materials move in the safest equipment and employees are trained on safe loading and handling procedures.

Recipients represent a variety of industries such as energy, technology and agriculture. The 2013 winners include Air Liquide America Corporation; AkzoNobel, Inc.; Archer Daniels Midland Company; Arizona Chemical Company; Arkema, Inc.; Ascend Performance Materials, Inc.; Ashta Chemicals; Aux Sable Liquid Products, LP; Axiall Corporation; BASF Corporation; Bunge Corporation; Cardinal Ethanol, LLC; Cargill; Celanese Corporation; Centennial Energy, LLC; Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LLC; Chevron Products Company; CHS, Inc.; Cornerstone Chemical Company; DAK Americas; Dow Corning Corporation; E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company; Eastman Chemical Company; EPIC; ERCO Worldwide; Evonik Corporation; ExxonMobil; Heritage Environmental Services, LLC; Hess Corporation; High Sierra Crude Oil & Marketing; Honeywell International, Inc.; Horsehead Corporation; Husky Marketing & Supply Company; International Chemical Company; Invista; Irving Oil; Kemira Water Solutions; Keyera Partnership; Lanxess Corporation; Linde, Inc.; Lyondell; MarkWest Hydrocarbon; Mercuria Energy Group, Ltd.; Methanex Corporation; MHF Services; Moose Jaw Asphalt, Inc.; The Mosaic Company; Musket Corporation; NGL Supply Company, LTD; Norflaco Sales, Inc.; Nucor Corporation; Occidental Chemical Corporation; Olin ChlorAlkali; Oxbow Sulphur, Inc.; PBF Energy Company; Philadelphia Energy Solutions; Plains All American Pipeline; POET Biorefining; PVS Chemicals, Inc.; Reagent Chemical; Sabic Americas, Inc.; Shintech; Southern States Chemical, Inc.; Statoil North America; Styrolution America, LLC; Taminco U.S., Inc.; Targa Resources, Inc.; U.S. Government; United Refining Company; Valero; and Westlake Chemical.

For more than 20 years, CSX has recognized customers who lead the industry in chemical safety. More information on the award, along with a list of recent recipients, can be found online at http://www.csx.com/index.cfm/customers/safety-security/chemical-safety-excellence-award/.

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Carla Groleau
(904) 359-1708

CSX 2013 Annual Report Highlights Industry-Leading Safety, Highest-Ever Customer Satisfaction and Record Financial Performance

Received the following via email.

CSX 2013 Annual Report Highlights Industry-Leading Safety, Highest-Ever Customer Satisfaction and Record Financial Performance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - March 31, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) is in the midst of an "exciting and transformative time," leveraging the most diverse portfolio in company history, wrote Michael Ward, CSX chairman, president and chief executive officer, in the company's 2013 Annual Report delivered this past week.

"The CSX you see today has overcome a challenging macroeconomic environment while transforming itself to leverage the growth opportunities that exist in nearly all of its businesses," Ward wrote. "Today, CSX is a vibrant, healthy company that is meeting an essential need for the country and driving service excellence for our customers while investing in our infrastructure, employees and the communities that we serve."

A combination of macro forces and strategic investments propelled CSX to strong performance despite the challenging external environment, including the slowly recovering economy and transformation in the energy markets. The company now enjoys the most diverse portfolio in its history, as growth in the merchandise and intermodal businesses help to offset declining coal revenue.

The company's Annual Report outlines actions to further capitalize on growth opportunities and meet strategic challenges, including:

- Investing to support changes in energy markets, which are creating new opportunities for job growth, manufacturing resurgence and energy independence;
- Ongoing investment in double-stack intermodal capabilities through the National Gateway and new or expanded regional terminals;
- Continued pursuit of record customer satisfaction through improved communication and collaboration;
- Consistently strong safety performance, building on CSX's performance as the nation's safest Class I railroad in 2013, with the fewest accidents and injuries; and
- Focus on improving the company's environmental footprint, increasing sustainable development activities and amplifying engagement with local communities.

CSX continues to place a high priority on investing in critically needed transportation infrastructure while rewarding investors through dividends and share repurchases. In 2013, the company invested $2.3 billion in the network and will invest another $2.3 billion in 2014 to support long-term value creation for shareholders. The company is also focused on returning value to shareholders in the near term. In 2013, CSX paid dividends of 59 cents per share, up nine percent from the year before, and announced a new $1 billion share buyback program.

These value-creating activities build on a sustained track record of delivering shareholder returns. Over the past decade, CSX increased operating income by nearly 600 percent and improved operating ratio by more than 2,200 basis points, while driving growth in earnings per share from continuing operations of nearly 2,000 percent. As a result, CSX shareholders have seen a total return on their investment of nearly 500 percent, easily outpacing the broader market.

As the coal headwinds subside, investments in intermodal and other markets take hold, and operations build on past success to drive efficiency and improving returns, CSX expects to generate double-digit earnings per share growth for its shareholders on a sustainable basis. In addition, the company continues to focus on achieving a mid-60s operating ratio long-term.

Full text of the CSX 2013 Annual Report, including Ward's letter to shareholders, can be found at http://investors.csx.com.

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Melanie Cost
904-359-1702

BBCX 1000 Schnabel car by Bound Brook on train W98628

Received the following via email, as posted on Yahoo Groups CRRNJ on 3-29-14.

Hello all....  I just came through Bound Brook on my caboose BBCX 1002 with Schnabel Car BBCX 1000 and flat car BBCX 1004 on train W98628 Locomotive CSXT 8739.  I know I was on the old Lehigh Valley and that is where the Reading took over.  As we came through I saw the tracks bearing off to the right which I believe is CNJ to Raritan(Spelling ?) and the crossover between the CNJ and Reading which I believe used to be double track for the B&O going to Jersey City.  Right in the middle I saw what looked to be a Rail to Trail and am curious as to which railroad the trail may have been.   Also hello to all the photographers at Bound Brook and elsewhere.  If by chance you belong to this group say hello.  This is a special train going to Hardeeville SC with a stop at Florence for a few days. This movement is with the deck in place which is unusual. I hope all took good pictures in the rain.  Thanks for coming out and seeing the equipment.

Norfolk Southern's Moorman speaks at Forbes Summit

Received the following via email.

March 27, 2014

Listen, innovate, and improve for the next Industrial Revolution, Norfolk Southern’s Moorman says at Forbes Summit 

Chicago, Ill. -- “21st century freight railroads are listening to our customers and communities, innovating to meet their needs, and steadily improving our ability to serve as the backbone of the next industrial revolution,” Norfolk Southern Corporation’s chairman and CEO told attendees at the Forbes’ “Reinventing America – Leading the Next Industrial Revolution” Summit here. 

“Today’s freight railroads are safe, dependable, efficient, and green,” Wick Moorman said. “We move the raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods that move the economy. The good news is that we have the capability and desire to do much more.” 

Addressing a discussion theme that posited, “Once left for dead as a relic of the 19^thcentury, railroads are emerging as the most important logistics system of the 21^stcentury,” Moorman described several Norfolk Southern initiatives contributing to what often is called the “rail renaissance.” 

On the technology side these include Movement Planner and the Unified Train Control dispatching systems developed in collaboration with GE, and the LEADER system for locomotive fuel efficiency. In the marketing arena, Moorman highlighted NS’ expanding services to the crude oil industry, and the export automotive trade, where the railroad handles a large percentage of vehicles destined for global markets. “When you see a Norfolk Southern train, that’s our economy in motion,” he said. 

“The earliest predecessors of Norfolk Southern were born at the end of the first Industrial Revolution, and railroads came into their own during the second Industrial Revolution,” Moorman said. “We build our infrastructure and systems for the long-term – investing $10 billion since 2010 alone. We plan to be around another 180 years, and you can count on us to do our part to usher in a new age of growth.” 

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products. 

### 

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)
(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com) 

Before the Blue Unit circus train passed by...

(Train sightings on 3-24-14.)

...my location at the LEHL's Valley Road grade crossing in Hillsborough there was NS 22V with NS 2682 and NS 7504 coming east through Manville's 13th Street grade crossing.

About 10:00, I got a call stating that the Blue Unit's circus train was calling signals at Port Reading Junction. Ahhh... it won't be long now so I can snap some photos of the circus train and get out of this cold to thaw out. It was frigid being track side on Monday morning and a steady breeze made it feel a whole lot colder. But wait, the circus train is slowly making its way up the Roycefield Runner, now designated as Main 1, and has stopped. The signal governing eastbound traffic showed a blinking amber over red, an indication that something was coming east. That eastbound train would be NS 212. Its leader was UP 7392 followed by NS 2648 and NS 8377.

Once that cleared, the circus train was given permission to proceed west. P047's motive power of NS 2731 and NS 2704 would bring its consist of sixty-one cars that weighed in at 4,490 tons and was 5,409 feet long off Main 1 and on to Main 2 to continue its 822 mile trip to Columbia, SC. The Blue Unit's next trip through this area will be around May 12 and 13 when it makes the trip from Hartford (CT) to Trenton (NJ). By then it should be warmer for being track side!  

An interesting day trackside along the LEHL!

(Train sightings on 3-22-14.) 

It turned out to be an interesting afternoon on Saturday along the LEHL here in central NJ. NS 052, a high / wide Air Products load, made the slow trip from Bethlehem to Manville on what was a nice day. On Sunday morning,this high / wide consist would head down CSX's Trenton Line as CSX X999 for eventual shipment overseas, destination unknown. Motive power for this move was two "heritage" units, NS 3426 and NS 5269. NS 3426 is an SD40-2 that was built in 1966 as KCS 602 and would become CR 6962. NS 5269 is an ex-PC and CR GP38-2 that was numbered 8058. The first image shows 052 passing slowly, train personnel described it as "...walking speed", through the double bridges west of the Hamden Road grade crossing in Hunterdon County. That second image shows the APTX 201,the car carrying this first h/w load, wheel configuration. In all my years of seeing these Air Products high / wide moves, this is the first time I can recall seeing two of these units being moved simultaneously. 

On my way home once the high / wide was stored in the ex-Reading Manville yard, I headed home via the crossing over the Valley Road grade crossing in Hillsborough, a westbound headlight could be seen in distance. Leading what was NS 33K was CN 2160 (C40-8W) seen here west of the Roycefield Road grade crossing at CP SULLY with its consist of mixed freight.

Train Show Final Weekend

Received the following via email.

MODEL TRAIN SHOW FINAL WEEKEND  For More Information Visit us at www.ModelEngineers.org                 88th Annual Spring Open House                      The members of The New York Society of Model Engineers cordially invite you to attend the final weekend of our Annual Spring Open House, March 21, 22, 23. Friday's 7:00 - 10:00, Saturday's & Sundays 1:00 - 6:00.   Adults: $5.00 Children (Under 12): $1.00   New York Society of Model Engineers 341 Hoboken Road Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072 Visit our Website Follow Us on Facebook Children Admitted Free w/Ad Parents present this coupon at the time of your visit and children under 12 will be admitted free with paid Adult admission. One offer per visit. Children must be accompanied by adult.    Offer Expires: 3/23/14

New York Society of Model Engineers | 341 Hoboken Road | Carlstadt | NJ | 07072

NS 2013 Annual Report highlights breakthrough year and looks ahead to rail’s key role in the American economy

Received the following via email. 

March 19, 2014

Norfolk Southern 2013 Annual Report highlights breakthrough year and looks ahead to rail’s key role in the American economy

NORFOLK, VA. – It was a “big year,” CEO Wick Moorman tells stockholders in the 2013 Annual Report, posted online today, and, “I am confident in the future of Norfolk Southern and the rail industry and in our ability to help move the nation’s economy forward.”

Describing 2013 as a breakthrough year, Moorman said, “We achieved record performance levels as our investments in network capacity, technology, and new talent delivered the safe, efficient, and dependable service our transportation customers deserve.

“We set new precedents for railway operating revenues and income from railway operations and achieved new landmarks for net income, earnings per share, and operating ratio,” he said.

Moorman said the company is “revitalizing our existing network not only to change with the times but to lead with innovation and determination.”

He credited the people of Norfolk Southern. “Their talents, ingenuity, and hard work brought us to new heights today and will take us even further in the years ahead,” Moorman said.

The annual report is distributed to stockholders, the financial community, news media, and libraries. To request a copy, call 800-531-6757, email annualreport@nscorp.com, or write to Norfolk Southern Corp., Corporate Communications Department, Three Commercial Place, Norfolk, Va. 23510-9217.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

###

Norfolk Southern contacts:

(Media) Frank Brown, 757-629-2710 (fsbrown@nscorp.com)

(Investors) Michael Hostutler, 757-629-2861 (michael.hostutler@nscorp.com)

Tri-State RHS - Trip to NY Transit Museum - March 29, 2014

Received the following via email. 

Tri-State Railway Historical Society

Spring Rail Trip to the

New York Transit Museum

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Trip Highlights:

. Travel in NJ Transit and NYC Subway

. Lunch at place of your choosing

. 2+ hours to explore the NY Transit Museum

Approximate transportation cost: Adults $36, Seniors $22

Those who show go - - -

The New York Transit Museum, one of the city's leading cultural institutions is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history, and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. The Museum explores the development of the greater New York Metropolitan region through the presentations of exhibitions, tours, educational programs, and workshops dealing with the cultural, social, and technological history of public transportation. Since its inception over a quarter century ago, the Museum, housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn Heights, has grown in scope and popularity. As custodian and interpreter of the region's extensive public transportation networks, the Museum strives to share, through its public programs, this rich and vibrant history with local, regional, and international audiences. (*from NY Transit Museum web site: web.mta.info/mta/museum/

General Admission: Adults $7, Seniors (62+) $5. Saturday hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Proposed itinerary: 9:27A depart Convent Station NJT train 6916
Midtown Direct arr NY Penn 10:39.

2/3 train to Boro Hall, Brooklyn. Arrive approx. 11:30A.

Lunch at local eateries before

12:30P Enter Transit Museum (No food is served inside museum).

Tour museum and gift shop approx. 2+ hours

3:00P rendezvous in lobby for return trip:

A/C train from Jay St/MetroTech to Penn Station arrive 3:30pm.

4:11P depart NY Penn NJT train 6931. Arrive Convent Station 5:24.

UP power in Manville, NJ

Following photo is from George Miller showing Union Pacific power on an eastbound stack train in Manville, NJ, on Sunday,  3-16-14.

A New Year, A New Rail Car - Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Received an email announcement from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, but we were unable to copy it to our blog.  Instead, here is the opening paragraph and a link to the web page version of the announcement. 

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad announces the acquisition of Western Maryland Railway Business Car #204 and announces 2014 Steam Schedule. 

http://us7.campaign-archive2.com/?u=62bc313726bc7f99a71f3df9f&id=6e560d0dbc&e=f97255a2fa 

Sightings on a blustery Saturday!

(Train sightings on 3-15.14.) 

Photo 1-With NS 9303 and NS 9765, NS 20E (Chicago to Croxton) enters the Royce Runner siding in Hillsborough (NJ) on March 15, 2014 in order to allow NS 211 to head west. Earlier in the week, this siding became fully operational and no longer required trains to stop and manually throw the switch in order to enter or leave the west end of this siding. This also eliminated the tied up grade crossings in this area. The former Royce Running Track is now designated as Main 1 while the single main is now designated as Main 2. Regarding the designation of "Sully",this CP was named to recognize NS and former EL engineer John Sullivan who passed away before his retirement.  

Photo 2- With a CSX crew, NS 24K makes its way down CSX's Trenton Line after waiting for CSX K041 to clear Port Reading Jct in Manville (NJ). With scheduled MOW shutdowns on SEPTA's Norristown Line 24K (Rutherford to Morrisville, PA) was re-routed once again east over NS’s Lehigh Line and then west down CSX’s Trenton Line.  

Gary Sease Named CSXT Vice President, Corporate Communications

Received the following via email.

Gary Sease Named CSXT Vice President, Corporate Communications

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - March 12, 2014 - CSX Transportation, Inc. today announced the appointment of Gary T. Sease as vice president, corporate communications, effective March 30.  He succeeds Vance Meyer, who is leaving CSX after leading significant communications efforts, including successfully strengthening the company's brand and developing social media capabilities over the past nine years.

Currently, Sease serves as director, corporate communications for CSX Transportation, a role in which he leads the company's media efforts and supports initiatives with respect to branding, employee engagement, the financial community and public safety.  In that regard, Sease developed the company's signature "Play it Safe" campaigns, and led CSX's efforts to broaden public safety messages, often in partnership with government and non-profit safety agencies.

"Gary is a skilled and experienced communications professional and leader who seeks to address the needs and expectations of CSX's many audiences with candor, efficiency and insight. With extensive media relations, regulatory, financial and management communications background, he will build on the successes Vance brought to CSX," said Ellen Fitzsimmons, CSX executive vice president of law and public affairs.

Sease began his career as a reporter at The Florida Times-Union and later worked for United Press International before joining CSX in 1986.  He has been active in the Florida and Jacksonville Chambers of Commerce and the Florida NAACP.

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Melanie Cost
904-359-1702

CSX Expects More Modest Full-Year Earnings Growth Reflecting Challenging Weather Conditions

Received the following via email.

CSX Expects More Modest Full-Year Earnings Growth Reflecting Challenging Weather Conditions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - March 12, 2014 - CSX (NYSE: CSX) Corporation Chief Financial Officer Fredrik Eliasson today discussed a variety of financial and market-specific topics at the J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation and Industrials Conference in New York City, including the first quarter weather impact on CSX, macroeconomic drivers of company growth, and long-term earnings guidance.

"The severe weather has challenged CSX operations and volume, with the impact on first quarter earnings now expected to approach 10 cents per share," Eliasson said. "However, we still expect full-year earnings growth in 2014, though at a more modest rate than previously anticipated, with the underlying strength in our merchandise and intermodal markets combined with visibility to several million new tons of domestic coal helping to offset the first quarter impact."

After several years of excess inventory at coal-fired utility plants in CSX's service territory, inventories are now close to normal levels as a result of the colder than normal winter weather. In addition, broad-based growth in the company's merchandise and intermodal markets in 2014 will continue on the strength of macroeconomic expansion, opportunities afforded by the process of natural gas drilling, and conversions from highway to intermodal service.

"To continue to promote modal conversion, CSX is making strategic investments to capitalize on an estimated 9 million truckloads in the East that would benefit from intermodal service," said Eliasson. "To leverage that opportunity, the company is expanding its Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal to leverage growth in the small- and mid-sized markets CSX now reaches as a result of its combined corridor and hub-and-spoke strategies."

Long-term, the company expects to continue generating sustainable, profitable growth for investors by leveraging its diverse business portfolio while continuing to price above inflation and drive efficiency gains of at least $130 million per year.

With this as a foundation and with coal headwinds subsiding, CSX expects to deliver double-digit EPS growth on a sustainable basis. However, it is not clear whether the double-digit EPS growth expected in 2015 will be sufficient, in combination with the more modest earnings growth expected in 2014, to produce a compound annual growth rate of 10 to 15 percent off over the two year period.  At the same time, CSX continues to target a high-60s operating ratio by 2015, which the company believes is still attainable. Longer term, the company remains focused on achieving a mid-60s operating ratio.

About CSX
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For more than 185 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 240 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and small farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/OfficialCSX) and follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/CSX).

Contact:
Melanie Cost
904-359-1702

NS's Southern heritage unit at Manville, NJ

Following photo of NS 8099, the Southern heritage unit, was taken in Manville, NJ on 3-9-14 by George Miller.

NS unveils new locomotive in celebration of GoRail's tenth anniversary

Received the following via email.

March 12, 2014

Norfolk Southern unveils new locomotive in celebration of GoRail’s tenth anniversary

Unique commemorative locomotive joins Norfolk Southern’s fleet

NORFOLK, VA. – GoRail and Norfolk Southern announced the unveiling of its one-of-a-kind GoRail locomotive today to commemorate the 10th anniversary of GoRail, a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of moving more freight by rail. Founded in 2004, GoRail mobilizes support for policies that would lead to more freight moving by rail and opposition to policies that would limit the freight railroads’ ability to meet growing freight demand. The GoRail locomotive will enter into regular freight service on Norfolk Southern’s system.

“We are honored that Norfolk Southern has commissioned this special GoRail locomotive and are excited for its debut,” said GoRail President Russell McGurk. “We believe it will help GoRail spread awareness about the many public benefits of rail, including more jobs, improved safety, less pollution and less energy consumption. When the public understands that America’s privately owned freight railroads invest billions of dollars each year in the nation’s rail network, so taxpayers don’t have to, they are eager to get behind pro-rail policies.”

The SD60E model features a paint scheme combining the infinity lines of the Norfolk Southern livery with the tracks of the GoRail logo. The lines end in an arrow to depict movement, and the GoRail colors carry through the modified speed lines to show the unity of GoRail and Norfolk Southern, creating the look of land as seen from above and signifying freight movement. The GoRail locomotive joins Norfolk Southern’s 30th anniversary fleet of 20 non-traditional locomotives painted in the schemes of key predecessor railroad companies and the veterans’ locomotive painted to honor those who have served in the military and reserves. The GoRail locomotive was painted in Altoona, involving 14 Norfolk Southern employees using 60 gallons of primer and paint over a 40-hour period.

“Our industry has a great story to tell, and GoRail does an excellent job of educating the public about the benefits and strengths of the American freight rail system and the continuing high levels of freight rail investment to drive safety, service and growth,” said Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman. “We are pleased to help promote GoRail and their pro-rail mission.”

The unveiling of the GoRail locomotive (No. 6963) will take place at a reception on Wednesday, March 12 at Union Station in Washington, D.C., the evening preceding Railroad Day on Capitol Hill. Photos will then be posted to the GoRail and Norfolk Southern social media accounts.

A time-lapse video of the painting of No. 6963 is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h55AaK6rZ0.

GoRail is a national non-profit grassroots organization founded in 2004 with the support of the nation’s freight railroads and rail supply companies. GoRail unites rail stakeholders with community leaders and the public to support rail solutions for tomorrow’s transportation challenges.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

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GoRail Contact:

Curtis Sloan, 703-519-4740, csloan@gorail.org

Norfolk Southern Contacts:

Robin Chapman, 757-629-2713, robin.chapman@nscorp.com

Following photo is from RailPictures.Net taken on 3-1-14 at the Juniata Locomotive Shop in Altoona, PA.

NS's Southern heritage unit makes five!

(Train sightings on 3-9-14.)

With my photographing of NS's Southern heritage unit leading intermodal NS 212 (Atlanta, GA to Croxton, NJ) through Manville, NJ's 13 Street grade crossing on March 9, that now makes five of the twenty units I have photographed. Snapping this image proved to be a challenge as 212 was late coming into NJ. Evidently there was some type of delay in the Harrisburg, PA area that caused an estimated two hour delay in passing over the LEHL in central NJ around 2:30 PM to Croxton. Oh well, a poorly illuminated image is definitely better than no image at all, wouldn't you agree? 

And I'm down to four!!

Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr.  Text and photos are his.

Finally shot the Southern Heritage unit leading Train 212 eastbound at Lyons today.  After working in Scranton, PA all day Saturday on the ARHS's B-unit getting it ready to travel to Spencer, NC for the Streamliner event, got word from a good friend that the South was sending one of her favorite girls North to the land of snow and ice.

Got the shot, dealt with the snow and ice...(I think it won as I came home and have had a heating pad on my knee the rest of the day)...but the shot was worth the effort.

This leaves the DL&W, LV, N&W, and Central of Georgia units left from the first group of 20 units to photograph.  Still need the N&PBL and the two SD60E's.

If anyone is near the Allentown PA area this upcoming weekend, The Railroad Historians of the Lehigh Valley's monthly meeting will be featuring Jim Schlegel's excellent program on the "Forgotten Branchlines of the East PennValley".

Hope to see you there!