JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — CSX Transportation is expanding its business by moving more perishables, the Florida Times-Union reported.
CSXT’s Premium Perishables Express Lane train moved honeydew melons across the nation — from Turlock, Calif., to Hunts Point, N.Y. — marking the first time in several years that the railroad has handled such a delicate shipment, the railroad said in a news release.
“We are excited that we now have the kind of service that provides us the opportunity to ship this business,” said Ray Schloss, CSXT account manager for merchandise. “Melons are a delicate commodity to ship. We proved we can ship them safely, efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.”
CSXT’s perishable shipments have been one of its fastest growing segments of business. Rail business to the Hunts Point market is up 60 percent from three years ago, primarily due to Express Lane, a service that provides guaranteed transit times for perishables moving transcontinentally.
CSXT operates the third largest railroad in the United States with track along a 23,000-mile route covering 23 states. CSXT, a division of the Richmond Va.-based CSX Corp., is headquartered in Jacksonville.