Atlanta (Fairburn), GA Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

The Fairburn Intermodal Terminal, operated by CSX Transportation, is located 20 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta and serves as the region’s primary intermodal rail hub. The facility handles containerized, automotive, and general merchandise freight, connecting CSX’s Atlanta Terminal Subdivision with national Class I rail networks.

Fairburn’s state-of-the-art intermodal terminal enables seamless transfer between rail and truck modes, supporting double-stack container operations and rapid throughput for regional and long-haul shipments. The terminal’s expansion in 2018 increased annual lift capacity by hundreds of thousands, optimizing supply chain efficiency.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Georgia’s rail infrastructure moves over 196 million tons of freight annually, with Fairburn’s intermodal operations contributing significantly to the state’s $7 billion logistics sector. The rail and logistics industry supports more than 30,000 jobs in metro Atlanta, ranking the region among the top five U.S. rail freight hubs.

Competitive Landscape

• CSX Transportation: Fairburn Intermodal Terminal is the only CSX intermodal facility in metro Atlanta, handling high-volume container traffic
• Norfolk Southern: Operates parallel mainlines and yards in the Atlanta area, supporting automotive and bulk commodity flows
• Regional Connectivity: Fairburn’s location links major interstate highways and Class I railroads, enhancing multimodal freight movement

Opportunities

• E-commerce Expansion: Rising consumer demand drives increased intermodal shipments and distribution center growth
• Southeast Manufacturing: Automotive and industrial sectors leverage Fairburn’s rail access for inbound and outbound logistics
• Infrastructure Investment: Planned upgrades to yard capacity and technology will support future freight volume increases

Challenges

• Congestion Management: High train volumes and truck traffic challenge terminal throughput and regional mobility
• Land Use Pressure: Industrial expansion competes with residential development in the Fairburn corridor
• Workforce Availability: Recruiting and retaining skilled labor for logistics and rail operations remains a persistent issue

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Intermodal Surge: Container volumes at Fairburn have grown steadily since 2018, driven by retail and manufacturing
• Automotive Logistics: Atlanta’s rail network supports major vehicle assembly and distribution for the Southeast
• Regional Distribution: Fairburn’s rail and highway links fuel growth in warehousing and last-mile delivery

Future Outlook

• Terminal Expansion: CSX plans further capacity increases and yard modernization to accommodate rising freight demand
• Technology Integration: Implementation of automated gate systems and real-time cargo tracking will improve efficiency
• Sustainability Initiatives: Investments in cleaner locomotives and energy-efficient infrastructure support long-term growth

Recommendations

• Capacity Enhancement: Expand intermodal yard and track infrastructure to meet projected freight growth
• Workforce Development: Partner with local schools and technical colleges to build a skilled logistics labor pipeline
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with Fairburn officials to balance industrial growth with residential and environmental priorities