CSX's biggest risks in the FY2024 10-K
- CSX faces heavy regulatory oversight from bodies like the STB, FRA, and EPA impacting operations.
- The company is bound by common carrier mandates to transport hazardous materials, creating accident and security risks.
- Labor relations, network constraints, and severe weather threaten operational efficiency and volume.
The risks most specific to CSX
New legislation, regulatory changes or other governmental actions could impact the Company's earnings or restrict its ability to independently negotiate prices
Legislation or government actions could restrict CSX's ability to independently negotiate prices and impact earnings.
Government regulation and compliance risks may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results
Regulation by the STB, FRA, PHMSA, TSA, and EPA affects economic, safety, environmental, and labor operations.
CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, is required by law to transport hazardous materials and could be adversely impacted by non-compliance with applicable regulations or from regulatory and legislative changes
The common carrier mandate forces CSXT to transport hazardous materials subject to strict TSA security and safety rules.
Network or supply chain constraints could have a negative impact on service, operating efficiency or volume of shipments
Locomotive or crew shortages, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather can cause rail network constraints.
CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, transports hazardous materials, which could expose the Company to significant costs and claims in the event of a train accident
Train accidents involving hazardous materials could expose CSXT to steep remediation costs and personal injury claims.
Changing dynamics in the U.S. and global energy markets could negatively impact profitability
Shifting energy markets and regulations have reduced coal-fired power plant energy production in CSX's service territory.
The unavailability of critical resources could adversely affect the Company’s operational efficiency and ability to meet demand
A lack of available locomotives or qualified engineers and conductors can harm operational efficiency and customer demand.
Disruption to a key railroad industry supplier could negatively affect operating efficiency and increase costs
Limited suppliers for rail, ties, freight cars, and locomotives create risk of material shortages or cost spikes.
Failure to complete negotiations on collective bargaining agreements could result in strikes and/or work stoppages
Unionized employees covered by collective bargaining agreements could strike or cause work stoppages if negotiations fail.
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that may result in significant costs
Environmental laws concerning emissions, waste disposal, and hazardous material releases subject CSX to significant clean-up costs.
All 19 risk factors
Headings as the filing states them, in filing order.
Other
- 01New legislation, regulatory changes or other governmental actions could impact the Company's earnings or restrict its ability to independently negotiate prices
- 02Government regulation and compliance risks may adversely affect the Company's operations and financial results
- 03CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, is required by law to transport hazardous materials and could be adversely impacted by non-compliance with applicable regulations or from regulatory and legislative changes
- 04The Company may be subject to various claims and lawsuits that could result in significant expenditures
- 05An epidemic or pandemic and the initiatives to reduce its transmission could adversely affect the Company's business
- 06The Company relies on the security, stability and availability of its technology systems to operate its business
- 07Network or supply chain constraints could have a negative impact on service, operating efficiency or volume of shipments
- 08CSXT, as a common carrier by rail, transports hazardous materials, which could expose the Company to significant costs and claims in the event of a train accident
- 09Future acts of terrorism, war or regulatory changes to combat the risk of terrorism may cause significant disruptions in the Company's operations
- 10Severe weather or other natural occurrences could result in significant business interruptions and expenditures in excess of available insurance coverage
- 11The Company faces competition from other transportation providers
- 12Global economic conditions could negatively affect demand for commodities and other freight
- 13Changing dynamics in the U.S. and global energy markets could negatively impact profitability
- 14Weaknesses in the capital and credit markets could negatively impact the Company’s access to capital
- 15The unavailability of critical resources could adversely affect the Company’s operational efficiency and ability to meet demand
- 16Disruption to a key railroad industry supplier could negatively affect operating efficiency and increase costs
- 17Failure to complete negotiations on collective bargaining agreements could result in strikes and/or work stoppages
- 18There is potential for operational impacts from climate-related risks, including changing weather patterns, in the Company's operational territory, which could impact the Company's network or other assets
- 19The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations that may result in significant costs
Other CSX 10-Ks
- FY2025 10-K risk factors20 risks2 new1 dropped
CSX added technology and artificial intelligence risks alongside expanded climate and emissions regulatory exposure.
Filed Feb 12, 2026
About this page
The headings are the filing's own. The one-line readings and the overview are automated and can be wrong: read Item 1A of the 10-K for the exact wording.