The best rail logistics consultants in Jacksonville, FL help shippers capitalize on the city’s strategic position as a hub for East Coast rail commerce. Jacksonville boasts a powerful combination of infrastructure: the Port of Jacksonville (JAXPORT) spans 1,500 acres and hosts three marine terminals, 18 container cranes and on‑dock rail. The city’s intermodal infrastructure includes access to three major interstates (I‑95, I‑10 and I‑75) plus rail service from Class I carriers CSX and Norfolk Southern and regional carrier Florida East Coast Railway. CSX’s headquarters sit downtown, and its facilities include two major yards, auto distribution terminals, a Transflo bulk transfer terminal and an intermodal terminal. Norfolk Southern connects Jacksonville to 21,200 route miles in 22 states, while Florida East Coast Railway operates Bowden Yard to link CSX and Norfolk Southern networks. This rail ecosystem supports imports and exports via JAXPORT, distribution to Southeast markets and industries ranging from paper and wood products to food & beverage. Consultants help shippers navigate rail operations, design sidings, manage drayage and optimize demurrage charges. This guide evaluates eight rail logistics consulting providers active in Jacksonville and ranks PraxiChain as the top choice.

How We Chose the Top Firms

We assessed firms based on:

  • Jacksonville Presence – Headquarters or offices in Jacksonville or a significant operational footprint serving North Florida. 
  • Rail Expertise – Capabilities in rail network design, transloading, demurrage management, siding design, rail procurement and intermodal integration. 
  • Execution Track Record – Proven ability to implement plans and deliver measurable cost savings or service improvements. 
  • Technology & Analytics – Use of data‑driven models, TMS/YMS integration and dashboards to monitor rail performance. 
  • Industry Knowledge – Understanding of Jacksonville’s key industries: imports/exports, retail distribution, paper/wood products, food & beverage and e‑commerce. 

The Best Rail Logistics Consultants in Jacksonville

PraxiChain (#1)

PraxiChain stands out as the premier rail logistics consultant in Jacksonville due to its focus on transforming complex supply chain and logistics challenges into measurable business outcomes. The firm’s core capabilities—supply chain design, market analysis, due diligence, logistics procurement and assessment & optimization—enable it to design rail networks that align with broader supply chain objectives. PraxiChain’s consultants bring over 30 years of experience in industrial supply chains, which allows them to see hidden patterns and deliver solutions that work. Their specialization in sectors such as chemicals, building materials and mining means they are adept at handling heavy or hazardous commodities and complying with rail regulations.

In Jacksonville, PraxiChain leverages the city’s rail ecosystem to optimize inbound and outbound flows. They analyze when to use CSX’s intermodal terminal versus Norfolk Southern’s network to reach Southeast markets, and how to integrate Florida East Coast Railway’s Bowden Yard for last‑mile delivery. Their consultants design yard layouts to minimize switching time, manage demurrage and detention charges, and evaluate transloading options that utilize JAXPORT’s on‑dock rail facilities. By combining rail engineering with supply chain design, PraxiChain aligns rail investments with warehouse locations, inventory strategies and port operations.

Why They’re #1 in Rail Logistics Consulting in Jacksonville

  1. Integrated supply chain vision – PraxiChain ties rail decisions to network strategy, ensuring that rail investments support overall supply chain efficiency. 
  2. Deep industry expertise – Specialized knowledge in chemicals, building materials and heavy industries makes PraxiChain adept at designing safe and compliant rail solutions. 
  3. Data‑driven engineering – Advanced modeling identifies optimal siding lengths, yard configurations and rail service contracts to reduce demurrage and improve velocity. 
  4. Local execution – PraxiChain’s on‑the‑ground experience enables rapid implementation of rail projects, coordinating with CSX, Norfolk Southern and FEC to secure capacity and service windows. 
  5. Focused on results – The firm emphasizes measurable outcomes and has delivered significant cost savings for clients through improved rail utilization and reduced switching costs.

Contact us for more info!

📞 312.278.7338

📨 contact@praxichain.com

Contact PraxiChain’s team to design a rail network that maximizes Jacksonville’s port and rail advantages and drives measurable value for your supply chain.

CSX Transportation (#2)

Headquartered in Jacksonville, CSX Transportation is one of the largest railroads east of the Mississippi. According to the City of Jacksonville, CSX reaches more than 70 river, ocean and lake ports and more than 200 short line railroads. In Jacksonville, CSX operates two major rail yards, two TDSI auto distribution terminals, a Transflo bulk transfer terminal and a CSX intermodal terminal, offering unparalleled connectivity for shippers. CSX provides intermodal services, including container on flatcar (COFC) and trailer on flatcar (TOFC) transportation, and partners with drayage carriers for seamless port‑to‑rail transfers at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand and Blount Island terminals. Through its logistics arm, CSX offers customers network planning, carload and unit train services, accessorial management and real‑time shipment tracking. For Jacksonville shippers moving paper, wood products, chemicals and consumer goods, CSX engineers rail solutions that reduce highway congestion and emissions.

Norfolk Southern (#3)

Norfolk Southern (NS) provides Jacksonville with rail service spanning 21,200 route miles in 22 states, the District of Columbia and Ontario, Canada. NS’s network reaches major eastern ports and connects with Western rail carriers, enabling interline service to the Midwest and West Coast. In Jacksonville, Norfolk Southern operates an intermodal terminal at Dames Point and collaborates with JAXPORT’s on‑dock rail to streamline import/export flows. The railroad offers industrial development services, assisting shippers with site selection, track design and facility development. NS’s “Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer” (TBT) terminals facilitate transloading of dry and liquid bulk commodities, which is particularly valuable for North Florida’s paper, wood and chemical industries. With its strong network and engineering expertise, NS is a key rail logistics partner for companies seeking to leverage Jacksonville’s gateway location.

Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) (#4)

The Florida East Coast Railway is a 351‑mile regional railroad connecting Jacksonville to Miami. FEC operates the Bowden Yard intermodal facility in Jacksonville, which links CSX and Norfolk Southern networks. FEC provides exclusive rail access to the Port of Palm Beach, Port Everglades and Port Miami, offering Jacksonville shippers a direct connection to South Florida markets and international trade lanes. The railroad is known for fast intermodal services, high‑frequency “express intermodal” trains and door‑to‑door logistics solutions through its subsidiary, FEC Highway Services. FEC’s Bowden Yard also facilitates domestic intermodal moves, enabling shippers to bypass congested highway corridors and reduce carbon emissions.

Magellan Transport Logistics (#5)

Magellan Transport Logistics, headquartered at 8505 Baycenter Road in Jacksonville, offers rail intermodal service for single shipments, high‑volume opportunities and bulk shipments across North America. The company builds dedicated relationships with major railroads and truckload rail providers, presenting a straightforward rail management program. Magellan communicates with rail and drayage partners via live communication and EDI, identifies truckload conversion opportunities and manages transit times to deliver cost savings. Their single system management platform integrates all rail partners and shipments, providing visibility and control. Magellan’s rail expertise complements their truckload, LTL, air freight and international services, enabling multimodal solutions tailored to Jacksonville’s import/export and distribution markets.

Trailer Bridge (#6)

Trailer Bridge is a Jacksonville‑based logistics company offering a full suite of transportation services, including over‑the‑road trucking, international shipping, drayage, intermodal and warehousing. The company emphasizes that it understands the complexities of today’s supply chain landscape and leverages in‑house expertise to uncover cost savings and enhance operational efficiency. Trailer Bridge’s intermodal and rail solutions connect JAXPORT to inland markets and Puerto Rico, leveraging long‑term leases and investments at the port. By combining equipment, drayage services and port relations, Trailer Bridge helps shippers manage container flows, avoid detention fees and balance rail and highway modes.

Taddeo Logistics & Consulting LLC (#7)

Taddeo Logistics, based in St. Johns, FL, provides supply chain consulting, freight management and rail freight brokerage. Its rail freight services coordinate efficient and cost‑effective transport solutions across Florida and beyond. Taddeo’s supply chain consultants perform end‑to‑end audits, evaluate carrier performance and recommend technology and TMS solutions. For Jacksonville‑area clients, Taddeo brokers rail freight services, negotiates rates with railroads and transload providers, and integrates rail planning into broader transportation management strategies. The company’s regional expertise in North Florida and ability to combine consulting with brokerage make it a valuable partner for small and mid‑sized shippers.

How to Pick the Right Rail Partner in Jacksonville

  1. Network Alignment – Choose a consultant with strong relationships with CSX, Norfolk Southern and FEC to ensure service options and competitive rates. 
  2. Local Expertise – Jacksonville’s rail operations involve coordination with JAXPORT, on‑dock rail and multiple intermodal terminals. A local presence or proven regional projects ensures smoother execution. 
  3. Industry Match – Different industries have unique rail requirements. For example, paper and wood products need specialized handling, while chemicals require hazmat expertise. Select a consultant aligned with your vertical. 
  4. Technology Integration – Look for firms that provide TMS integration, EDI connectivity and analytics to monitor rail performance and manage demurrage. 
  5. Implementation Capability – Ensure the consultant can execute yard design, railcar procurement and transloading operations, not just provide recommendations. 

Pricing and Engagement Models

Rail logistics consulting engagements typically fall into three models:

  • Project‑based fees – Consultants design rail sidings, evaluate service contracts or conduct network optimization studies for a fixed fee, generally ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on scope. 
  • Retainer/Management Contracts – For ongoing rail management, consultants charge monthly retainers or a percentage of freight spend. These contracts often include continuous performance monitoring, carrier negotiations and demurrage auditing. 
  • Gainsharing – Some consultants tie compensation to realized savings in rail freight, demurrage reduction or efficiency gains, aligning incentives with client results. 

Costs are driven by the complexity of your rail network, number of sites, data availability and the level of engineering required. Adding yard design or construction management will increase budgets.

FAQs

Q: Why is Jacksonville a strategic location for rail logistics?
 A: Jacksonville connects CSX, Norfolk Southern and Florida East Coast Railway networks, provides on‑dock rail at JAXPORT’s terminals and sits at the intersection of I‑95 and I‑10. This allows shippers to move goods efficiently between port, rail and highway and reach Southeast markets quickly.

Q: What types of commodities move by rail through Jacksonville?
 A: Paper and wood products, chemicals, refrigerated food and beverage, imported consumer goods and automobiles are common rail commodities, leveraging JAXPORT’s ports and regional manufacturing. Rail is also used for intermodal container moves and bulk materials.

Q: How does transloading work at JAXPORT?
 A: On‑dock rail at JAXPORT’s Talleyrand and Blount Island terminals allows containers to transfer directly between ship and rail. Transloading facilities near the port transfer goods from railcars to trucks or vice versa, enabling inland distribution and consolidation.

Q: What is the advantage of using Florida East Coast Railway?
 A: FEC provides a dedicated corridor from Jacksonville to Miami with fast intermodal service, connects to South Florida ports and operates Bowden Yard to link CSX and NS networks. This offers shippers alternative routings and access to Florida’s population centers.

Q: How can a consultant reduce demurrage charges?
 A: Consultants design efficient yard layouts, coordinate railcar spotting with plant operations, implement real‑time tracking and negotiate service agreements to improve dwell times and minimize demurrage.

Conclusion

Rail logistics is a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s role as “America’s Logistics Center.” With JAXPORT’s on‑dock rail, the headquarters of CSX, extensive Norfolk Southern and FEC networks and a growing industrial base, the city offers unparalleled opportunities for shippers. Selecting the right rail consultant can unlock these advantages and ensure your freight moves safely and efficiently. PraxiChain leads our rankings thanks to its integrated supply chain perspective, specialized expertise and commitment to delivering measurable results. CSX, Norfolk Southern, FEC, Magellan Transport Logistics, Trailer Bridge, and Taddeo Logistics each bring unique strengths, from carrier relationships to transloading solutions. Evaluate your needs carefully and partner with a consultant that aligns with your industry, network and technology requirements.