CSX CEO Hinrichs encourages railroads to work together and set higher service standards

(Source: Trains.com, November 20, 2023)

CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs dished out some tough love for the industry last week while reflecting on his nearly 14 months at the helm of the railroad. The former Ford Motor Co. executive has learned a lot about railroading in his travels around the CSX system but is puzzled by the industry’s lack of cooperation, low service standards, and the way it has treated its employees.

Regarding  the way Class I railroads treat their employees, Hinrichs said: “In a decade we changed… from being one of the most desired jobs to have, to people not recommending their sons, daughters, and nieces and nephews to even consider it… It’s a lifestyle. It’s hard. But if it’s miserable it’s not worth it. We make it miserable for a lot of people.”

He said CSX aims to create an environment where people are proud to be railroaders again. “We can do great things. We just have to get out of our own way.”

Full story: Trains.com