February 13, 2025 – CSX, a leader in freight transportation, has been named one of America’s Best Large Employers for 2025 by Forbes, distinguishing itself as the only Class I railroad to make the list.
Forbes, in partnership with market research firm Statista, released its 10th annual rankings of the nation’s top employers on February 12. The list was compiled based on responses from more than 217,000 U.S. employees working for companies with more than 1,000 workers. Survey participants, who remained anonymous, rated their employers on key factors such as work environment, compensation, growth opportunities, and work-life balance.
“Our railroaders are the foundation of CSX’s success,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and CEO. “This recognition by Forbes reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where our employees feel valued, empowered, and supported in achieving their goals. The investments we’ve made in our workforce reflect our gratitude and our belief in the power of collaboration and engagement.”
CSX’s placement on the 2025 list is demonstrative of the company’s focus on fostering a workplace culture where employees thrive. Over the past few years, the company has taken significant steps to enhance its employee experience. Its initiatives include becoming the first freight railroad to secure improved wage and benefits labor packages with its union partners ahead of national bargaining—a move that set a new standard for the industry. CSX has also introduced carnival-style “family day” events, where employees and their loved ones are celebrated for their contributions to the company’s success, highlighting the strong sense of community within the organization. Additionally, CSX has prioritized open and transparent communication by hosting regular town hall meetings and conducting employee surveys to encourage feedback and dialogue. These initiatives have strengthened two-way communication and given employees a voice in shaping the company’s future.
The methodology behind the Forbes rankings involved feedback from current employees, as well as evaluations from former employees and those with industry knowledge about the organizations. The final results included a careful analysis of employer performance over the past three years, with more recent employee feedback weighted more heavily.
The annual rankings feature 1,199 companies, including 701 in the large employer category and 498 midsize employers. Notable organizations that joined CSX on the 2025 list include global brands across industries such as healthcare, technology, and retail.
For more information about CSX’s forward-looking approach to building a collaborative workplace culture, career opportunities and employee programs at CSX, visit CSX.com/Careers. To learn more about the Forbes America’s Best Large Employers listing, click here.