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.
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”
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.
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…
C-Conrails
S-Southern
X-eXtention
csx engineer
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.
CSX(according to the trains article) stands for Chessie Seaboard X(times two) that is what the X stands for.
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.
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…
CRASH SPILL XPLODE
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…
When I was working it was Chicken ----- Express! And some guys still use that term.
I work for CSX and it stands for Chicken shit 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.
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.
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.
Paint scheme aside, the C&O control and mindset has been there since day one.
C-rash
S-top
X-plode
If you watch the CSX commercials, they stand for efficient transportation.[:D]
Andrew
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