CSX cut 785 jobs in July

CSX in a report to the Surface Transportation Board said employment fell from June to July fell by 785 to 22,313.

Most of that, 588, was in the train and engine category.

The railroad has been eliminating jobs since Hunter Harrison took over as chief executive earlier this year and implemented his Precision Railroading operating plan. The railroad has closed a number of yards, shifted to short crew pools, and run longer trains, among other moves.

CSX has eliminated 951 management-level positions this year alone, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record, mainly at its Florida headquarters.

The company has cut a total of 2,150 jobs since the beginning of 2017.

Harrison and CSX have faced increasing criticism in the face of mounting service problems. In response to ongoing shipper complaints the STB last week sent a second letter to Harrison citing those concerns and asking for a status report on operational changes.

Harrison shot back at shippers, calling many of the complaints “unfounded” and “greatly exaggerated.”