CSX Pittsburgh open for business

CSX has begun operations at its new Pittsburgh intermodal rail terminal in McKees Rocks, Pa. The facility “provides shippers a new transportation option to move freight to and from western Pennsylvania, while enhancing their competitive advantages through greater connectivity to this major consumption market,” CSX said.

The Pittsburgh intermodal terminal, built on a 70-acre site that once served as the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie rail yard in Stowe Township and McKees Rocks Borough, is the final major component of CSX’s National Gateway Initiative, described as “an $850 million public-private partnership designed to create a highly efficient network of doublestack rail and intermodal terminals, connecting East Coast markets to consumers, manufacturers and businesses in the Midwest. Through the National Gateway Initiative, more than 95% of CSX’s intermodal network is now doublestack cleared, maximizing the potential efficiency of the service. Leveraging the strength of our hub-and-spoke intermodal network, CSX will connect Pittsburgh to more than 40 markets across North America, while offering truck-competitive services to maximize shipping options for its customers.”

CSX noted that transportation comprises an average 66% of a shipper’s total logistics cost: “Optimizing the use of intermodal freight by rail on moves of more than 500 miles can result in cost savings of 15% or more. In addition, as the most fuel-efficient mode of freight transportation on land, shipping freight by rail enables significant emissions reductions while driving economic prosperity. Intermodal plays to the strengths of each mode of transportation, capitalizing on the efficiency of rail to complete the long-haul portion of a move, while trucks complete the first and last mile portions. Intermodal rail moves millions of truckloads of products that consumers and businesses use every day, including goods such as electronics, car parts, household appliances, groceries, clothing, toys and furniture.”

“CSX is committed to serving the growing needs of our current intermodal customers and others who can benefit from the speed and efficiency of intermodal service,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Fredrik Eliasson. “Our newest facility in Pittsburgh will connect southwestern Pennsylvania to markets across the country and around the world, while improving supply chain flows and reducing transportation costs.”

CSX said its intermodal terminals “have proven track records of driving economic growth in regions where they are located. Since the site of the [Pittsburgh] facility was announced in October 2013, the project has received broad-based support from local, county, state and federal level officials; economic development associations; community organizations and other stakeholders.”