SHORT LINE RAILROAD

    Florida East Coast Railway (FEC)

    Florida East Coast Railway: The only railroad with exclusive on-dock intermodal access to all major South Florida ports, operating a 351-mile mainline from Jacksonville to Miami. Founded by Henry Flagler, FEC built the legendary Key West Extension and continues to drive innovation in Florida rail logistics.

    Florida East Coast Railway (FEC)

    Company Overview

    Florida East Coast Railway is a Class II regional railroad that operates one of North America's most extensive freight rail networks, connecting businesses across Florida with safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions. The FEC network spans 351 miles of mainline track from Jacksonville to Miami, serving as the sole rail provider along Florida’s east coast and specializing in intermodal, carload, and bulk freight, including aggregates and perishables..

    Founding history

    FOUNDING HISTORY & ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

    The company was founded in 1895 by Henry M. Flagler, a Standard Oil principal, with the original purpose of developing Florida’s east coast through resort, industry, and community development.

    HEADQUARTERS & OPERATIONAL BASES

    The headquarters of Florida East Coast Railway is located at 7411 Fullerton Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256. This facility houses executive offices and serves as the central hub for network operations, dispatch, and customer service coordination..

    Headquarters

    LEADERSHIP & EMPLOYEES

    Our People Drive Excellence

    Key Leadership

    Nathan Asplund serves as CEO and President of Florida East Coast Railway. The executive team includes a Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as well as leaders in finance, operations, and commercial strategy, each bringing decades of experience in freight rail, logistics, and transportation management.

    Employee Demographics

    Florida East Coast Railway employs approximately 588 people, with a significant portion working as skilled craftspeople, maintenance workers, and service teams. The workforce reflects a strong operational focus, with diversity initiatives supporting inclusive hiring and advancement.

    FACILITIES & OPERATIONS

    Strategic Regional Operations

    Major operating facilities

    Major Operating Facilities

    Major facilities include the Bowden Yard in Jacksonville, which is the primary classification and intermodal terminal; the Hialeah Yard in Miami, serving as the southern gateway for port traffic; and intermodal terminals at PortMiami, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, and the Port of Palm Beach. Additional key facilities are located in Fort Pierce and Titusville, supporting regional freight and logistics operations.

    Site certifications

    Site Certifications

    FEC maintains ISO-certified processes for quality and environmental management, has received safety awards for its operational practices, and is fully compliant with Federal Railroad Administration regulations. The company’s facilities are equipped with advanced security and safety systems, including 24/7 monitoring and FEC Police presence.

    EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE

    Regional Equipment & Technology

    Container Types & Equipment

    Florida East Coast Railway handles a variety of container types, including intermodal containers, boxcars, and tank cars. Intermodal containers are typically 20, 40, and 53 feet in length, supporting both domestic and international shipments, while boxcars and tank cars are used for bulk and liquid commodities.

    Technology Platforms

    The company utilizes advanced technology platforms for real-time tracking, automated dispatch, and customer service. Systems include a digital customer portal, electronic waybill management, and APIs for seamless integration with shipper and consignee systems. Automation technologies are deployed at terminals for gate operations and cargo handling.

    Network Coverage & Market Position

    Geographic Scope

    FEC’s geographic scope covers the entire east coast of Florida, with 351 route miles connecting Jacksonville to Miami. Key corridors include direct rail access to all major South Florida ports, enabling efficient north-south freight movement within the state and connections to national rail networks.

    Strategic Partnerships

    Strategic partnerships include exclusive on-dock rail agreements with PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port of Palm Beach, as well as collaborations with major ocean carriers and national railroads for seamless intermodal transfers.

    Carrier Partners & Regional Networks

    Carrier partners
    • Carrier Collaborations
      Carrier collaborations extend to vessel carriers serving the South Florida ports, as well as trucking partners for last-mile delivery. FEC maintains interline agreements with Class I railroads in Jacksonville, providing access to the broader U.S. rail network.
    • Freight Network Memberships
      Florida East Coast Railway is a member of industry associations such as the Association of American Railroads and participates in regional freight and logistics networks to promote best practices and industry standards.

    FINANCIAL METRICS & STABILITY

    Regional Focus & Operational Efficiency

    Annual Revenue

    In 2023, Florida East Coast Railway reported a pre-tax profit of $32 million on revenues of $150.4 million. The company’s operating ratio improved to 68 percent, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency.

    Investments & Acquisitions

    Recent capital investments include over $50 million in infrastructure upgrades, such as continuous welded rail and terminal automation, as well as the acquisition by Grupo México in 2017, which has strengthened FEC’s financial and operational resources.

    SERVICE PORTFOLIO

    Comprehensive Regional Transportation

    Core logistics services

    Core Logistics Services

    Florida East Coast Railway offers a range of logistics services, including full container load and less than container load shipments. Additional services include customs brokerage, trade compliance consulting, cargo insurance, and specialized handling for temperature-sensitive and hazardous materials.

    Digital offerings

    Digital Offerings

    The company has launched a new customer portal to enhance self-service capabilities and improve day-to-day activities for its clients. Additionally, FEC offers an API Center to facilitate seamless integration with customer systems, supporting real-time shipment visibility and electronic documentation.

    INDUSTRY REPUTATION & NEWS

    Regional Transportation Leadership

    Recent Developments

    Recently, Florida East Coast Railway has implemented automated obstacle scanners at its hubs and loading parks to improve safety and efficiency in handling intermodal containers. The company is also expanding its digital infrastructure to support predictive maintenance and operational analytics.

    Awards & Certifications

    FEC’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.

    ANALYSIS & FUTURE OUTLOOK

    Regional market position and growth strategies

    Strengths

    • Exclusive on
    • dock intermodal access to all major South Florida ports
    • Modern, fully welded mainline infrastructure supporting high
    • speed freight
    • Strong partnerships with ocean carriers and national railroads

    Challenges

    • Limited geographic coverage compared to Class I railroads
    • Exposure to weather
    • related disruptions along the Florida coast

    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