STB approves CSX, CPKC acquisition of Meridian & Bigbee rail lines

CSX, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Genesee & Wyoming Inc. yesterday announced the Surface Transportation Board has approved CSX's and CPKC's respective applications to acquire and operate rail lines operated by G&W’s Meridian & Bigbee Railroad LLC (MNBR) in Mississippi and Alabama.

The board's decisions will result in the creation of a new direct CPKC-CSX interchange connection in Alabama, the railroads' officials said in press releases. The newly approved transaction was announced previously in June 2023. The STB's decision is effective Nov. 16.

The STB issued two separate decisions in the case: It approved, with conditions, CSX’s request for the board's authority to acquire and operate the MNBR's 94-mile between Burkeville and Myrtlewood, Alabama; and CPKC's request to acquire and operate MNBR's 50.4-mile line between Meridian, Mississippi, and Myrtlewood. 

“With this new East-West Class I route, we are creating competition, providing a service that will take more trucks off the road and growing rail transportation by expanding markets across the southern U.S., from Dallas to Atlanta and beyond," said CPKC President and CEO President Keith Creel.

 CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs and G&W CEO Michael Miller added that the new service is a win for customers.

“Once complete, the interchange will help drive long-term business growth allowing customers to have greater connectivity and efficiency to reach key markets in Texas, Mexico and the U.S. Southeast — all while providing safe and reliable service," Hinrichs said.

The STB's decisions can be accessed via this link.