N-S previously said that it was leasing 200 miles to four shortline operators. Leasing or selling unprofitable tracks are the railroad's obvious first choices. The final option, abandonment, has been rare in recent years as N-S and CSX have been busy dividing up and absorbing Conrail's northeastern system. Core routes connect major gateways, markets and ports. Strategic lines serve secondary ports and regions that may be conceded to other carriers.
Tactical lines are carload gathing and distribution.
The company cited the high reinvestment risk of maintaining and operating tactical lines that serve one or two customers.