February 26, 2026
R. J. Corman Nashville & Eastern Railroad Receives Honorable Mention for Railway Age's Regional Railroad of the Year
We are pleased to announce that R. J. Corman Railroad Company’s Nashville & Eastern Railroad (NERR) has received an Honorable Mention for Railway Age’s 2026 Regional Railroad of the Year. This recognition highlights the railroad’s exceptional achievements in industrial development, customer service, and operational excellence within one of the nation’s fastest growing and most competitive regions.
The Nashville & Eastern Railroad operates 145 miles of track between Nashville and Monterey, Tennessee, serving 31 customers across a diverse portfolio of industries. Since joining the R. J. Corman family in 2019, NERR has strengthened its service capabilities and expanded its role as a key transportation partner in Middle Tennessee. The railroad also operates WeGo Public Transit’s Nashville Star commuter rail service, running 12 daily revenue trips on the line between Nashville and Lebanon. This shared-use environment requires disciplined coordination, and the team has consistently delivered reliable freight and commuter operations while supporting significant regional growth.
In 2025, NERR advanced several major industrial development projects along the bustling I-40 corridor. One example is the new National Cement terminal in Lebanon, where an underutilized rail spur was transformed into a modern rail-served facility that aligns with the area’s ongoing construction activity. The site began receiving test cars in late 2024 and entered full production in early 2025, creating a substantial new traffic source for the railroad.
Another key project was the development of the Eco Materials fly ash terminal, a collaborative effort supported by the Nashville Eastern Railroad Authority, CSX, and the customer. The two-track facility, built through a combined investment of more than $5.8 million, includes capacity for twenty railcars and supports a structured five-year volume plan. This terminal is positioned to strengthen NERR’s long-term traffic base and reflects the confidence that partners place in the railroad’s service performance.
These and other projects demonstrate NERR’s ability to drive sustainable growth through strategic planning and strong local engagement. By identifying high-potential sites, working closely with landowners and community partners, and aligning development efforts with continuing industrial expansion in Middle Tennessee, the railroad has built a robust pipeline of opportunities. This coordinated approach is expected to add approximately 2,700 annual carloads, a meaningful increase for a short line historically handling between 10,000 and 10,500 carloads each year.
We are proud of the Nashville & Eastern Railroad team and grateful to Railway Age for recognizing the progress being made along the line. This Honorable Mention reflects a commitment to service reliability, customer partnership, and thoughtful development that continues to support economic growth throughout Middle Tennessee.
Click here to read Railway Age’s announcement.
