What is the difference between a Short Line and a Class I Railroad? How do they work together?

ACWR (Transparent) 2

Short Lines are the "neighborhood street" while Class I's are the "interstate highway" of the national rail network. Short Lines and Class I's work well together since Short Lines play a critical role in the first mile/last mile freight service while Class I's provide the long-haul service. Because shortlines are more regional in nature, we are able to get closer to our customers and provide more personalized service than the Class I's typically can.