Richmond, Va.-based MeadWestvaco Corp. recently concluded a trial with CSX Transportation (CSXT), Lydall Distribution Services, a subsidiary of Lydall Inc., and the Virginia Port Authority to replace truck shipments from the company’s Covington, Va., boxboard mill to the Port of Virginia with railroad transportation. The successful trial, which ended in October, enabled MeadWestvaco to examine the cost, efficiency and environmental advantages of rail transportation over trucking before implementing permanent changes.

“As a global packaging supplier, we are constantly evaluating ways to improve our supply chain and transportation processes,” says Chris Osen, vice president of supply management at MeadWestvaco. “If we can decrease the amount of commercial traffic on Virginia’s roads, while getting our product to its destination in a timely and economical manner, everyone wins.”

MeadWestvaco began the trial earlier this year with a goal of transporting 4,000 tons of boxboard per month from its Covington mill to Lydall Distribution’s facility at Newport News Marine Terminal. The Covington mill produces nearly 22,000 tons of board per month, nearly all of which will continue to be transported by rail if the trial proves successful.

“CSX Transportation provides a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly way to move goods to market,” says Kyle Hancock, vice president of CSXT’s industrial and agricultural marketing group. “Each shipment moving on CSXT from MeadWestvaco to the Port of Virginia will reduce pollution, save fuel, and take trucks off the state’s highways. We have a long history of providing outstanding transportation service to Virginians, and we are proud to continue that tradition.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to expand our export trans-load business at Newport News Marine Terminal,” states Bill Franks, president of Lydall Distribution Services. “This is an opportunity to take advantage of the best the supply chain has to offer and potentially create new jobs within the Port of Hampton Roads. Due to the successful trial, we will be able to offer a new method of getting product to market while helping to relieve congestion on our highways.”

MeadWestvaco estimates that the transfer to rail will remove more than 400 trucks per week from Virginia’s roads and significantly reduce emissions. According to the Association of American Railroads and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, trucks emit three times more nitrogen oxides and particulate matter per ton mile than locomotives.