SPECIALTY RAILROAD

    Connecticut Southern Railroad (CSOR)

    Connecticut Southern Railroad links New England’s industrial heartland with national rail networks, moving over 18,500 carloads annually across a 90-mile corridor between Massachusetts and Connecticut. As a Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary, CSOR connects regional manufacturers to CSX, Providence & Worcester, and Pan Am Southern, supporting Connecticut’s economy with efficient freight solutions.

    Connecticut Southern Railroad (CSOR)

    Company Overview

    Connecticut Southern Railroad operates one of North America's most extensive freight rail networks for a shortline, connecting businesses across Connecticut and Massachusetts with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The railroad’s 90-mile network primarily moves lumber, steel, carbon dioxide, trash, and recycling, serving both imports and exports for the region..

    Founding history

    FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

    Connecticut Southern Railroad was founded in 1996 by RailTex as a spinoff from Conrail’s freight operations on Amtrak’s Springfield Line and several branch lines. RailAmerica acquired the company in 2000, and Genesee & Wyoming became the parent company in 2012, integrating CSOR into its global portfolio..

    HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES

    The company’s headquarters is located at Hartford Yard, 280 Huyshope Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. This facility includes a two-track locomotive shop and office building, serving as the operational hub for train dispatching, maintenance, and administrative functions..

    Headquarters

    LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES

    Our People Drive Excellence

    Key Leadership

    James R. Foote serves as President of Connecticut Southern Railroad, overseeing strategic direction and daily operations. The executive team includes a Chief Operating Officer responsible for network efficiency, a Chief Financial Officer managing capital investments, and a Director of Safety with a background in FRA compliance and risk management. These leaders bring experience from Genesee & Wyoming and other major railroads, focusing on safety, customer service, and operational reliability.

    Employee Demographics

    Connecticut Southern Railroad employs approximately 45 people, with about 30 serving as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams. The workforce includes a mix of train crews, mechanical staff, and administrative personnel, with ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion across all departments.

    FACILITIES & OPERATIONS

    Strategic Regional Operations

    Major operating facilities

    Major Operating Facilities

    Major facilities include Hartford Yard in Hartford, Connecticut, which serves as the main operational base and locomotive shop. East Hartford Yard provides additional switching and storage capacity. Cedar Hill Yard in North Haven, Connecticut, is a key interchange point with CSX. West Springfield Yard in Massachusetts connects CSOR to CSX’s Berkshire Subdivision. The railroad also operates branches to Suffield, Windsor Locks, Manchester, and South Windsor, supporting local industries and transloading operations.

    Site certifications

    Site Certifications

    Connecticut Southern Railroad maintains full FRA compliance and adheres to Genesee & Wyoming’s safety management systems. The company has received industry safety awards and participates in environmental certification programs, including initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable rail operations.

    EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

    Regional Equipment & Technology

    Container Types & Equipment

    The railroad handles a variety of container types, including standard boxcars for lumber and steel, tank cars for carbon dioxide and chemicals, and covered hoppers for bulk commodities. Intermodal containers are moved via transloading facilities, with railcars rated for 286,000-pound capacity to accommodate heavy shipments.

    Technology Platforms

    Connecticut Southern Railroad utilizes advanced technology platforms for train tracking, dispatch, and customer service. The company offers a digital customer portal for shipment visibility, electronic billing, and real-time notifications. Automated dispatch systems and integration with Genesee & Wyoming’s global IT infrastructure support efficient operations and data-driven decision-making.

    Network Coverage & Market Position

    Geographic Scope

    Connecticut Southern Railroad serves Connecticut and Massachusetts, operating a total of 90 route miles. The main corridor runs along Amtrak’s New Haven–Springfield Line, with key branches connecting industrial zones in Suffield, Windsor Locks, Manchester, and South Windsor. Strategic corridors link CSOR to major interchange points in West Springfield and North Haven.

    Strategic Partnerships

    Strategic partnerships include interchanges with CSX Transportation at West Springfield and North Haven, Providence and Worcester Railroad and Central New England Railroad in Hartford, and Pan Am Southern in Berlin. These relationships enable CSOR to offer seamless connections to national and regional freight networks.

    Carrier Partners & Regional Networks

    Carrier partners
    • Carrier Collaborations
      Carrier collaborations involve interline agreements with CSX for long-haul shipments, trucking partners for first- and last-mile delivery, and vessel carriers through port operations in New Haven. These collaborations support integrated logistics solutions for shippers across New England.
    • Freight Network Memberships
      Connecticut Southern Railroad is a member of industry associations such as the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association and participates in regional freight networks and trade organizations to promote best practices and industry advocacy.

    FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY

    Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency

    Annual Revenue

    In 2024, Connecticut Southern Railroad reported a pre-tax profit of $8 million on revenues of $32 million. The company’s operating ratio improved to 72 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency and cost management.

    Investments & Acquisitions

    Recent capital investments include $3.5 million for track upgrades and yard improvements in Hartford and North Haven, completed in 2023. The railroad has not made any major acquisitions since its integration into Genesee & Wyoming in 2012.

    SERVICE PORTFOLIO

    Comprehensive Regional Transportation

    Core logistics services

    Core Logistics Services

    Connecticut Southern Railroad offers a range of logistics services, including full container load and less than container load shipments for regional manufacturers and distributors. Additional services include customs brokerage, trade compliance consulting, and cargo insurance, supporting complex supply chain requirements for customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

    Digital offerings

    Digital Offerings

    Connecticut Southern Railroad has launched a new customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities and improve day-to-day activities for its clients. Additionally, the company offers an API Center to facilitate seamless integration with customer systems, enabling real-time shipment tracking and electronic documentation.

    INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS

    Regional Transportation Leadership

    Recent Developments

    Connecticut Southern Railroad is actively working to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. The company has implemented automated obstacle scanners at its hubs and loading parks to improve safety and efficiency in handling intermodal containers. Recent upgrades to digital dispatch and customer service platforms have further streamlined operations.

    Awards & Certifications

    Connecticut Southern Railroad’s Site Certification Program has identified optimal rail-served sites and conducts in-depth reviews to ensure readiness for development. This program aims to minimize development risks for customers and enhance supply chain efficiency, supporting regional economic growth.

    ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

    Regional market position and growth strategies

    Strengths

    • Strategic location connects New England industries to national rail networks
    • Strong partnerships with CSX, Providence & Worcester, and Pan Am Southern
    • Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and digital innovation

    Challenges

    • Limited network size compared to larger regional and Class 1 railroads
    • Ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and operational efficiency

    Opportunities

    • Continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support growth
    • Expansion of services hubs and intermodal facilities to enhance service offerings

    Risks

    • Economic downturns are affecting freight volumes
    • Operational disruptions due to external factors such as labor disputes or regulatory changes