Supreme Court Rejects CSX Antitrust Appeal Against Norfolk Southern

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear CSX Transportation's appeal in its antitrust lawsuit against Norfolk Southern, effectively ending CSX's legal pursuit over access to the Norfolk International Terminals in Virginia. CSX alleged that Norfolk Southern, together with the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad (majority-owned by Norfolk Southern), conspired to impose excessive fees and restrict CSX’s access to the terminal, which CSX claims cost it significant business opportunities. The Court's refusal upholds a lower court's ruling that CSX filed its case too late, missing the four-year statute of limitations for such antitrust claims. CSX had argued that the ongoing enforcement of the access fee constituted a continuing violation, but the courts found no new injury within the relevant timeframe. Meanwhile, regulatory disputes over the control and neutrality of the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad continue before the Surface Transportation Board. The decision highlights ongoing tensions and regulatory scrutiny within the U.S. rail industry regarding terminal access and competition.