CSX Transportation, or CSXT, is the railroading division of CSX Corporation. It has been in operation since 1987 and is one of the seven major Class I railroads operating in North America. In 1987 all of the lines under CSX's banner, other holding companies and all, were merged directly into it. While the southern railroads were merged into their holding company in 1982 the Chessie System roads survived all the way until the end, albeit as “paper’ companies only. The year 1987 found much history disappearing as the fabled Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which ironically celebrated its 160th birthday just before formally being merged out of existence on April 30th; its owner since 1962, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (with a history of nearly 120 years) followed suite just a month later and was folded into its parent that May.
In any event, CSX Transportation careers vary depending on what field you are interested but for the purposes of this site we will stick with, of course, railroading positions, which range from operating the trains themselves to maintaining the track and property.
Class I railroads are in a "league of their own" so to speak in the industry. They are obviously the largest systems nationwide and many people are drawn to work for them over smaller railroads because of the excellent pay and benefits they offer. However, there is a downside. Railroading is tough enough but it is even tougher on Class I railroads where the hours are extremely long, rest is a luxury and you never know when you will be called out again.
And on that note please let me say that if you are here searching for railroad jobs and have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that such a career is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is hard work and takes a dedicated breed not only to handle the physical demands required but also the mental fatigue, as working 12-hour, seven-day-a-week shifts is normal (and overtime is mandatory).
While a more predictable work schedule does come with seniority, don’t expect it to happen within a short period of time. Some railroaders wait 20 years or more to land a “9 to 5” workday, which usually consists of working yard or local jobs. There is a reason why railroaders say that railroading becomes a lifestyle, its not just saying! Still, for many the pay, benefits, retirement and general love of the job make it all worthwhile.
If you think you may be interested in a position with CSX it operates roughly everywhere east of the Mississippi River so you could literally be assigned to anywhere in the eastern half of the country. To search for CSX Transportation careers please feel free to use the search box below from Indeed.com, one of the leading online career resource guides.