Baltimore is a key East Coast port city served by CSX and Norfolk Southern. The Port of Baltimore is the nation's top auto import port and a significant coal export terminal. CSX's Howard Street Tunnel is being expanded to accommodate double-stack container trains, which will dramatically increase intermodal capacity through the corridor.
Railroads Serving Baltimore
Baltimore is served by CSX and Norfolk Southern, providing solid Class I railroad coverage for freight shippers in the Baltimore metro area.
CSX
CSX Transportation operates a rail network across 23 eastern states, connecting major ports, production centers, and population hubs. CSX handles intermodal, coal, chemicals, automotive, and agricultural freight.
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Railway operates a major rail network in the eastern United States, serving 22 states. NS is a leading carrier for intermodal, coal, automotive, and merchandise freight.
Understanding how Class I and short line railroads work together is key to efficient rail shipping. Read our guide: Short Line vs Class I Railroads.
Key Rail Terminals & Yards
Major rail facilities in and around Baltimore include:
- Bayview Yard (CSX)
- Curtis Bay Coal Terminal
- Baltimore Intermodal
These facilities handle car classification, intermodal transfers, and bulk commodity loading and unloading operations. Learn how classification yards sort and route freight in our article: How Railroad Classification Yards Work.
Commodities Shipped by Rail
Key commodities moving by rail through Baltimore include:
- Coal
- Intermodal containers
- Automotive
- Grain
- Steel
- Consumer goods
Rail is the most cost-effective way to move bulk commodities over long distances. See our rail vs truck cost comparison to understand when rail makes sense for your freight.
Intermodal & Port Connections
Port of Baltimore — major auto import port and coal export facility with direct rail service.
Port access gives Baltimore shippers the advantage of rail-to-vessel transloading for international trade. Whether you are exporting bulk commodities or importing containerized freight, the combination of rail and port infrastructure creates efficient multimodal supply chain options.
Learn more about how transloading works in our guide: What Is Transloading?
Ready to Ship by Rail from Baltimore?
Steel Wheel Logistics specializes in bulk commodity rail freight. Whether you are shipping coal, intermodal containers, automotive, or other goods by rail from Baltimore, MD, we can help coordinate competitive rates, car supply, and logistics with the Class I railroads serving your area.
Get a Rail Freight Quote