Supporting the U.S. Economy

Why It Matters

By aligning new manufacturing projects with rail infrastructure, CSX reduces transportation costs, accelerates market entry, and strengthens the domestic supply chain, boosting economic growth and its own freight volumes.

Key Takeaways

• CSX Select Sites program now includes 80 rail‑ready locations
• Program has attracted over $16 billion in private investment
• More than 12,000 jobs projected from certified sites through 2025
• 2023 online portal offers real‑time access to vetted select sites
• Owens Corning’s Alabama plant creates 100 skilled manufacturing jobs

Pulse Analysis

The United States is experiencing a wave of re‑industrialization, driven by policy incentives and a push to reshore manufacturing. Rail operators like CSX are uniquely positioned to capture this momentum because rail offers cost‑effective, high‑capacity freight movement for heavy goods. CSX’s Select Sites® initiative, launched in 2012, formalizes that advantage by certifying industrial parcels that meet strict criteria for rail access, infrastructure proximity, environmental readiness, and workforce availability. By presenting these sites early in a developer’s planning process, CSX helps reduce site‑selection risk and shortens time‑to‑market for new factories.

Since its inception, the program has expanded to 80 locations across twelve states, with 21 new sites added in 2026 alone. The rollout of a searchable online portal in 2023 and a tiered rating system—Platinum to Bronze—have streamlined the customer experience, allowing firms to quickly identify construction‑ready properties. The tangible outcomes are significant: over $16 billion in private capital has been deployed at certified sites, and more than 12,000 jobs are expected to materialize by 2025. High‑profile projects such as Owens Corning’s 100‑job manufacturing plant in Prattville, Alabama, illustrate how rail‑centric site selection can drive regional economic development while feeding CSX’s freight volumes.

Looking ahead, CSX’s strategy underscores a broader shift toward sustainable logistics. Rail’s lower carbon intensity compared with trucking aligns with corporate ESG goals, making rail‑served sites increasingly attractive to environmentally conscious manufacturers. As the federal government continues to promote domestic production, CSX’s proactive site certification and digital tools position it as a critical partner for companies seeking to scale quickly and responsibly. This synergy between rail infrastructure and industrial growth not only bolsters CSX’s long‑term revenue prospects but also reinforces the United States’ competitive edge in global supply chains.