Amid continuing speculation that Jacksonville-based CSX Corp. might seek a merger with BNSF Railway, the two companies announced an agreement Aug. 22 to provide coast-to-coast intermodal freight services.

CSX is one of two major U.S. eastern railroads, along with Norfolk Southern Corp.

Fort Worth, Texas-based BNSF is one of two major western railroads, along with Union Pacific Corp.

After Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced a merger agreement July 29 to create a transcontinental railroad, many rail industry observers speculated CSX and BNSF, owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc., would seek a merger to compete.

Neither company has commented on the merger speculation, but they jointly announced the intermodal agreement.

“Through this new connectivity, CSX and BNSF are connecting We

See Full Page