Frequently Asked Questions

I. Company Identity, Mission, and Ownership

Q: What is the Canton Railroad, and what is its strategic role in the Port of Baltimore?

Canton Railroad, established in 1906, is a historic short-line railroad that functions as a logistics partner with customers in and around the Port of Baltimore. We operate as a Class III Switching and Terminal Railroad, serving as the essential “last mile” link between two national rail networks and specific industries within the Port of Baltimore. Our core message is that we deliver safe, reliable, and efficient short-line rail service that connects industries to global markets through the Port of Baltimore.
Q: Who owns Canton Railroad, and what is the impact of that ownership structure?

Canton Railroad is indirectly owned by the State of Maryland, operating under the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). We operate as an independent, for-profit enterprise, granting us the operational flexibility and speed of a private business. This agility allows us to respond quickly, stay accessible, and meet customer needs in ways large conglomerates cannot. This combination of state‑backed stability and private‑sector responsiveness is a core part of our unique value proposition.

II. Unique Value Propositions and Connectivity

Q: What is the Canton Railroad's greatest competitive advantage for shippers?

Our greatest advantage is our access to two Class I railroads. Canton Railroad directly connects to both CSX and Norfolk Southern. This allows our customers to negotiate rates with both Class I carriers, preventing them from being price-captive to a single national carrier. This flexibility empowers the customer to shop price when shipping products to or from Canton.

III. Core Rail Services and Capabilities

Q: What core rail services does Canton Railroad provide?

Canton Railroad offers a comprehensive set of rail services tailored to industrial, manufacturing, and port‑related customers. Our core business is railcar switching, supported by additional capabilities that include port interchange and industrial track access, intermodal coordination, and railcar storage and handling. Together, these services enable efficient, flexible rail solutions for customers operating within our service area.
Q: I don't have rail access at my warehouse. Can I still use the Canton Railroad?

Yes. This is why we place a strong emphasis on our transloading capabilities—what we call our “No Track? No Problem” solution. This service is designed specifically for customers who do not have a rail siding at their own facility.

Canton Railroad offers transloading services, particularly at our Boston Street Terminal, including rail‑to‑truck, truck‑to‑rail, and truck‑to‑truck transfers, as well as weighing and storage. These services allow customers without direct rail access to efficiently take advantage of freight rail transportation.
Q: How does the Canton Railroad support customers who are new to shipping by rail?

We understand that shipping by rail is a new process for many customers and differs significantly from trucking. Our goal is to make the transition as simple and straightforward as possible. To support this, we provide clear, step‑by‑step visual guidance to help customers understand the rail shipping process. In addition, we actively connect prospective shippers with the businesses and capabilities of our existing on‑line customers, helping them identify suitable warehousing, transloading, or liquid‑shipping partners to support their rail needs.

IV. Customer Tools, Support, and Operating Efficiency

Q: How do customers request shipping rates?

Customers may link directly to our Class I partners—CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern—to submit rate requests. To ensure a high level of service, Canton Railroad monitors these requests and proactively follows up with the Class I carriers as needed to ensure timely communication and response. In addition, we offer a simple, web‑based rate request form that captures key shipment details, including origin ZIP code, commodity, and estimated volume, allowing us to assist customers throughout the rate‑development process.

V. Safety and Community Engagement

Q: What is Canton Railroad's policy regarding safety and compliance?

Frequently Asked Questions

I. Company Identity, Mission, and Ownership

II. Unique Value Propositions and Connectivity

III. Core Rail Services and Capabilities

IV. Customer Tools, Support, and Operating Efficiency

V. Safety and Community Engagement

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