What CSX stand's for?

[Lyon_Wonder]

I figured it out, CSX stands for Chessie System eXtreme:) The only thing missing from CSX's scheme is the Chessie logo.  But CSX threw Chessie under the rug, like BNSF did with the SF-style cross and cigar band in 2005 when they came out with the wedge logos.

[trainfan1221]

It stands for Chessie-Seaboard....umm, X?

[Lyon_Wonder]

It stands for Chessie-Seaboard....umm, X?

I know Chessie merged with Seaboard in the early 80.  I guess the CSX moniker can be interpreted in a number of ways.  Maybe it stands for Chessie-Seaboard eXtreme.  Maybe Chessie’s and Searboard's management thought adding the X makes the acronym sound cool!  Not as clear-cut as BNSF "Burlington Northern Santa Fe".  Though same ATSF fans think of BNSF as "Bigger Newer Santa Fe"      

[Ulrich]

CSX stands for Chessie - Seaboard X (multiplication symbol) The point of the X is to show that the merger of the two resulted in a system that is as stong as the original roads multiplied together rather than simply added together.  

[tree68]

We had a thread on this a while back, and the story appeared in Trains as well.  As I recall, "CSX" was just a placeholder because they hadn't settled on a name for the new railroad yet.  I think the X was perhaps for another player in the merger as well.

In the end, they just used "CSX."

Ironically, the reporting mark for CSX is CSXT, since reporting marks ending with an X are reserved for non-railroad owners...

[csxengineer98]

C-Conrails

S-Southern

X-eXtention

csx engineer 

[Ted Marshall]

Isn't "X" a universal marking at railroad crossings? Crossbucks and Railroad Crossing Advance signs both display a large, prominent X. Coincidence? Hmm...

I'm not suggesting that this is the answer, just that it could've been.

[arkansasrailfan]

CSX(according to the trains article) stands for Chessie Seaboard X(times two) that is what the X stands for.

[GP40-2]

What is really means:

CSX = CheSapeake and Ohio; X is for all the other railroads they implemented their management style on.

There is a reason why CSX locomotives are painted very similar to the traditional C&O scheme.

[tsgtbob]

Chop

Slash

eXecute

and Torch

Actually, I recall the X stood for eXpanded from Chessie and Seaboard. At least it's a better name than Family Lines... 

[Namerifrats]

CRASH SPILL XPLODE

[magicman710]

I am always surprised at the amout of hatred of CSX, which mainly consists of that they "always crash and have derailments".

But, in truth, they are the 3rd most derailing railroad. Although I dont see here many talking about UP like they do CSX, and they are the worst....

[sanvtoman]

When I was working it was Chicken ----- Express! And some guys still use that term.

[KOcarman]

I work for CSX and it stands for Chicken **** express.

Just kidding, actually it is Customer Service Excellence. I know, it's lame but I was there during merger and thats what they told us.

[trainfan1221]

What is really means:

CSX = CheSapeake and Ohio; X is for all the other railroads they implemented their management style on.

There is a reason why CSX locomotives are painted very similar to the traditional C&O scheme.

Only recently, don't forget, but it's a good scheme.  Either way, aren't they thinking about changing the name?  Lets not start with possible new names, we know where that goes.  I am just making a general statement on something I think we discussed a little while back.

[Anonymous]

CSX stands for:

 

Drum roll...

 

 

Chessie Seaboard and the X is like Chessie multiplied by Seaboard. I read that in a book about CSX as well as in TRAINS Magazine.

[GP40-2]

What is really means:

CSX = CheSapeake and Ohio; X is for all the other railroads they implemented their management style on.

There is a reason why CSX locomotives are painted very similar to the traditional C&O scheme.

Only recently, don't forget, but it's a good scheme.  Either way, aren't they thinking about changing the name?  Lets not start with possible new names, we know where that goes.  I am just making a general statement on something I think we discussed a little while back.

Paint scheme aside, the C&O control and mindset has been there since day one.

[vsmith]

C-rash

S-top

X-plode

[Andrew Falconer]

If you watch the CSX commercials, they stand for efficient transportation.

Andrew

[tregurtha]

As I recall reading, the placeholder theory is correct. It was used in all the legal documentation during the merger. Chessie, Seaboard and and X for all the legal mumbo jumbo. In the end the name CSX stuck.

Ross

[arkansasrailfan]

I hope they change the name.

[tree68]

I hope they change the name. 

 

The day of corporations having real names seems to have passed.  While some (IBM) have a corporate history, others just seem to be pulled out of the air.  Exxon went to a computer to generate that name.

Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and Norfolk Southern are pretty good, although NS goes north now, too.

CSX and BNSF leave a lot to be desired.  I include BNSF because while we all know what it means, IIRC, the official name is now "BNSF" not Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

Of course, unlike the class 1's of a generation or two ago, the place-name-to-place-name thing doesn't work.  Most of those class 1's would today be considered regionals.

This does raise a question, though, and please try to be serious with your responses (Crash, Spill, Xplode is more or less humorous, but not something that would appear on the letterhead of a major corporation such as a Class 1 railroad).

If you were given the opportunity to rename any of the Class 1's, what name would you give them?  You can draw from predecessor railroads (B&O, ACL, NYC, etc) if you like.  Explain your choice, if you can.

Please try to refrain from renaming any of today's railroads with your favorite fallen flag.  Be original.

An example that comes to mind (although not a contest winner) for CSX might be Seaboard & Western - since CSX serves the eastern seaboard and points west.  Don't be constrained by my ideas.

So, put your thinking caps on.  Come up with your best effort - something the board of directors or the stockholders would gladly vote for if they were inclined to rename their railroad.

If we come up with some decent suggestions, maybe Trains will do a little blurb about our informal survey (and advertise the forums at the same time).

[trainfan1221]

The problem is, the modern railroads are so large that the original names of their predecessors no longer apply.  Take our subject CSX here, for example.  Except for B&O, and that was with the help of other railroads, most of the initial railroads didn't come into the northeast or NY/NJ area.  Therefore a classic name might not apply to what the railroad currently stands for.  Norfolk Southern seems to imply a route that covers Norfolk, Va. and points south.  But both railroads have a New England presence.  Though NYC would apply in a way to certain CSX lines, that railroad ceratainly never covered the area CSX does.  The modern era of the mega-system, gotta love it.

[tree68]

All the more's the challenge!

[choochoobuff]

I miss the kitty.

[CS_heX]

Corroded, Splintered,  Xpired lol!

[tree68]

Corroded, Splintered,  Xpired lol!

Ironically, that's UP's bridge....

[arkansasrailfan]

OHHHHHH, BURN!!! YOU GOT BURNED!!!!
BUt if I renamed CSX, it would be the C & O.

[Andrew Falconer]

CSX could become something like Conserve Succeed eXcel

Andrew

[tree68]

CSX could become something like Conserve Succeed eXcel

Andrew

Think outside the box.  Throw "CSX" away and come up with something grand and railroady!