BNSF
“BNSF had a great first quarter of 2026 for safety!” the Class I reported via social media on May 7. “After achieving our safest year ever in 2025, our teams carried that momentum forward.” For the first three months of 2026, it said, the injury frequency ratio improved by 33% from the same point last year.
“When it comes to safety, this is the best first quarter in BNSF’s history,” the railroad noted. “Thanks to our teams for a strong start to the year. We’re looking forward to carrying that success into the rest of 2026 and beyond!”
BNSF in January reported that 2025 was the “best year ever” for safety in the company’s 177-year history. With approximately 35,000 employees and a 32,500-mile network, the Class I marked its “lowest ever employee injury frequency rate,” down 10% from the previous record set in 2023. BNSF also saw a 13% decrease in rail equipment incidents, which it said surpassed its 2025 target.
The railroad earlier this year presented three Employee of the Year awards, honoring their commitment to safety and service; and marked a four-year injury‑free milestone in Memphis and a seven-year injury-free milestone in Texas.
Further Reading:
CSX
CSX earlier this month celebrated the opening of Diageo’s new $415 million manufacturing and warehousing facility in Montgomery, Ala. The 360,000-square-foot facility offers a multi-million case annual production capacity for its “iconic beverage alcohol brands.” It is located on a CSX Select Site and supports 100 full-time jobs in advanced manufacturing and logistics.
According to Diageo, the facility features:
- “Five on‑site automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which support lower‑carbon operations by safely and intelligently transporting pallets throughout the site, reducing manual handling and forklift traffic.
- “Advanced technology in high‑speed bottling lines enhances rinsing and inspection capabilities, while increasing bottle size changeover speed and liquid blending accuracy.
- “Energy‑efficient infrastructure heated by electric boilers for sanitation and bottle‑filling operations, with emergency back‑up provided by an innovative battery energy storage system.
- “Advanced water and energy metering technology will provide real‑time visibility into resource use across the facility, enabling data‑driven decisions that improve efficiency and advance Diageo’s long‑term sustainability goals.”
“We are proud to support Diageo as they celebrate this significant milestone,” said Christina Bottomley, Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate at CSX. “This achievement reflects the strong partnerships we’ve built across Alabama and the effectiveness of CSX’s comprehensive logistics solutions in attracting world-class companies. We are honored to contribute to Diageo’s growth and to the economic vitality of Montgomery and the surrounding region.”
“Diageo’s investment in Montgomery has taken shape over several years—and this moment shows what’s possible when partners stay aligned from start to finish,” added Anna Buckalew, President and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber. “From state and local leadership to infrastructure and utilities, it reflects the coordination required to bring it to life. This facility strengthens our manufacturing and logistics base—particularly in beverage production—creates new opportunities for our workforce, both now and for the next generation, and drives long-term growth for the Capital Region.”
CSX also announced via social media that it designated Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Park as a CSX Select Site “for its rail-ready industrial development potential.” With nearly 1,400 acres near the Port of Brunswick and freight rail service delivered in partnership with Genesee & Wyoming, CSX said “it’s primed for growth.”
Late last month, CSX reported via social media that it joined Southeast Toyota Distributors to celebrate the launch of a 380,000 square-foot vehicle processing facility in Jacksonville, Fla. The Class I said it will soon bring direct rail service to the upgraded space that spans seven buildings on 88 acres.
Further Reading:
- CSX Adds 21 Properties to ‘Select Site’ Program
- Cargill Opens Regina Canola Facility
- CPKC Certifies 14 Rail-Served Industrial Development Sites (part of Class I Briefs)
- BNSF, CPKC, NS: Accelerating Industrial Development
- Building Successful Industrial Development Spaces
- Industrial Development for Sustained Growth
NS
NS on May 6 reported that it is more than doubling its investment in its Trades on Track Scholarship program, increasing funding from $100,000 to $250,000. Applications, it said, are open now through Sept. 1, 2026, to external applicants pursuing skilled trade programs across the Class I’s 22-state network.
This year, NS will award 50 scholarships valued at $5,000 apiece, up from 20 scholarships in 2025. Funds may be used for tuition, tools, computer equipment, and other education-related expenses. The program is administered by SKILLED Nation.
“The generously expanded Norfolk Southern Trades on Track Scholarship reflects our two organizations’ shared belief that skilled careers are honorable pathways to a better life—and a stronger economy,” SKILLED Nation CEO Alvin Townley said. “With funding more than doubled, this renewed program will knock down even more barriers to skills training, high-demand careers, and the economic mobility Americans deserve. That’s our mission at SKILLED Nation and we’re proud to partner with Norfolk Southern and its extraordinary people to help more aspiring Americans and keep the nation moving.”
“Trades on Track is about creating opportunity and investing in the skilled trades that are vital to the rail industry and the broader U.S. economy,” added Kristin Wong, Director of Norfolk Southern Foundation and Community Impact. “These careers keep infrastructure running and goods moving. Expanding this program in 2026 reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals who strengthen communities everywhere.”
Late last month, NS opened a Georgia wildfire disaster relief program.
Further Reading:
- UP, NS Submit Amended Merger Application
- NS Launches New Intermodal Service Connecting Cincinnati and Atlanta
- NS 1Q26: ‘Disciplined Execution on Safety, Service, Cost Control’
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