Three Notch Railway, Owned by Genesee & Wyoming, Provides Direct Rail Access to Covington County

Businesses that move to Covington County, Alabama, will have direct rail access to transport materials and products worldwide. The Three Notch Railway, which is owned by Genesee & Wyoming (G&W), boasts 34 miles of tracks and connects Andalusia with CSX in Georgiana.

“G&W owns short line railroads that connect, local shippers to major Class I railroads that transport goods across the United States,” says Joe Arbona, Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs at G&W. “These short line railroads also connect to other railroads that reach other countries, like Canada and Mexico, or take goods for export to American ports.”

G&W owns or leases more than 100 railroads across North America, connecting rural communities to larger railroads. The Three Notch Railway gives Covington County access to the rest of the world and makes it a global player in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture spaces.  

Covington County Companies Work Directly with G&W

Businesses in Covington County can meet directly with the operational teams at G&W to review their infrastructure options. G&W will highlight the existing rail connections in the region and opportunities for companies to use them.

“Even though Three Notch is a small railroad, it provides a key service to businesses,” says Arbona. “Short-line railroads are the county roads of the rail industry, while the larger railroad companies are the highways. The Three Notch Railway gives businesses access to those highways.”

Arbona admits that rail transportation requires more logistics than trucking. While a truck can bring a shipment directly from one address to another, rail takes a little more planning. However, the scalability of rail and the opportunities for affordable transportation can make this option worth it.

“Maintaining quality rail infrastructure makes Covington County competitive and a desirable place to do business,” says Rick Clifton, President and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Commission (CCEDC). “The region’s natural resources and strong labor pool make it ideal for manufacturing, while the Three Notch Railway lets companies seamlessly ship products across the world.”   

Communities Benefit from Rail Infrastructure

There are several reasons for businesses to work with G&W to connect with major rail companies. First, one railcar can hold the equivalent of four semi-trucks. Companies that need to scale their shipping can have an easier and safer experience with rail.  

“Safety is a core value at G&W and has been for decades,” says Tom Ciuba, Vice President of Communications for G&W. “Our main goal is for all employees to go home after every shipment and for all customers to receive their goods intact and on-time.” 

Rail also supports local road infrastructure. Opting for rail transit reduces the wear and tear that large semi-trucks put on roads and highways. Not only can Covington County residents enjoy a smoother driving experience, but fewer of their tax dollars will need to be used for road improvements. 

G&W Plays an Essential Role in Economic Development

G&W has historically bought rail lines neglected by other railroad companies. The infrastructure is often worn down to the point where trains can only run at 10 mph. G&W has built a reputation for restoring lines to help the communities that rely on them.  

“If you don’t have a freight railroad, businesses that rely on rail services won’t even look at your community,” says Arbona.

In Covington County, several companies use the Three Notch Railway to connect to CSX. Some of the biggest names that use G&W rail services include Arclin, Shaw Industries, and Gulf States Cold Storage.  

Choosing rail for your transportation also supports job growth in the region. “Our employees live and work in the communities we operate in,” says Ciuba. “Our presence creates jobs.”

The general public doesn’t interact with rail lines as often as they see trucks on the highway, but companies like G&W and Three Notch play a significant role in local infrastructure and economic development. 

Let G&W Bring Your Business to Covington County

G&W recently celebrated its 125th anniversary supporting short-line rail and continues to improve local infrastructure across the United States. Both Arbona and Ciuba have nothing but good things to say about the Wiregrass region and Alabama as a whole.

“Alabama is a great state to do business,” says Arbona. “We have nine short-line railroads in the state, and we really appreciate the support our railroads get here.”

When you move your business to Covington County, you will get the support you need, whether that means working with G&W/Three Notch on transportation logistics or connecting with local utility providers. Let the CCEDC connect you with the resources to succeed.