How CSX Mechanical Teams Spot Issues Before They Affect Safety or Service

March 26, 2026 – Thorough equipment inspections help keep rail operations safe and reliable. Across the CSX network, railcar components are checked to meet company safety standards and remain fit for service.

“Visual inspections remain the foundation of railcar safety, and our car inspectors rely on their training and experience every day in the field,” said Rob DeWitt, senior mechanical manager. “That work is reinforced by advanced inspection technology across the railroad, including more than 1,000 wayside detectors that monitor bearing and wheel temperatures as cars move through the network.”

In CSX mechanical shops, inspections go deeper. Every knuckle, and every car that enters a shop, undergoes magnetic particle testing to help detect subsurface defects and hairline cracks that may not be visible to the naked eye.

The process starts with a visual check. Inspectors then energize the part with an electromagnet and apply iron particles to the surface. If a crack is present, particles collect along the defect, making it easier to spot.

Together, these inspections help identify potential risks early, before they affect safety or service.

Watch the video to see magnetic particle testing in action and learn how it helps protect employees, operations and communities.