CSX reaches lowest dwell time since 2023

CSX last month achieved its lowest process dwell time since October 2023, the Class Is announced yesterday.

The company recorded an average process dwell time of 20.01 hours in May, a significant improvement over the 2024 average of 21.36 hours and bettering its previous low of 20.47 hours from January 2024, CSX officials said in a press release.

Process dwell measures the length of time, in hours, that a rail car spends from its arrival at a station to its departure. Lower process dwell times reflect greater efficiency and reliability within railroad operations, CSX officials said.

Since mid-2024, CSX has faced disruptions caused by multiple hurricanes and severe storm systems. Those challenges were compounded by major infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of more than 60 miles of track damaged by Hurricane Helene along the Blue Ridge Subdivision.

The company also is reconstructing the Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore to improve service along its Interstate 95 corridor.

CSX implemented several initiatives to mitigate those challenges, including adding locomotives to the fleet, adjusting maintenance schedules to reduce congestion, enhancing employee availability and collaborating more closely with customers to align services with their needs, CSX officials said.

“These efforts are enhancing our ability to meet trip plan compliance commitments, strengthening our foundation for continued improvements in service and reliability,” said Mike Cory, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

To learn more about CSX's efforts to improve operational performance, read this cover story in Progressive Railroading's May issue.