Limited rail service hurts JaxPort

[thelakelander]

Its been mentioned on this site several times that JaxPort needs access to multiple rail lines.  Here is proof that a CSX monopoly puts the port at a disadvantage with its competitors.  Expanding roads around the port will not solve this logistics problem or take trucks off the streets.

Imported Mercedes-Benz luxury cars backup at Jacksonville port

...Despite the brisk traffic through the port, Mercedes-Benz is moving its operations from Jacksonville to a yet-to-be-built 70,000-square-foot facility at the Port of Brunswick. The facility at Colonel Island is expected to be open in the summer.

Aside from the Port of Georgia’s and the State of Georgia’s aggressive marketing techniques, the Port of Brunswick also has a niche for European carrier service, Kerrigan said.

In a news release, Mercedes said the new site’s closer proximity to the port will allow it to reduce processing time, but Kerrigan said having access to the CSX Corp. and Norfolk Southern rail lines was also a key factor. The Jacksonville site gave the German manufacturer access to only the CSX line, and access to two lines will help it get the vehicles that are produced in Alabama faster.

full article: http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2008/12/29/story6.html

[JeffreyS]

This seems so basic.  I just wish that a Jax rail yard that could service any of the three railroads in town was on our city's stimulus wish list.

[Doctor_K]

At the end of the day, who bears ultimate responsibility for this?  CSX?  A department within the City of Jacksonville?  Who?

[thelakelander]

CSX is not in the business of creating opportunities for other railroads.  However, its important for the city and JaxPort to make our facilities as competitive as they can be.  This means the responsibility should fall on JaxPort, the City of Jacksonville and JTA. 

As mentioned over the past year, relaying the S-Line would open up Tallyrand to FEC.  As for Blount Island, in the long run perhaps its time to attempt to purchase that branch line from CSX.  This would enhance port connectivity giving all three local railroads access to all port facilities.  This move would also give the city the green light to run commuter rail between Downtown and the Airport area.