David Goode, Norfolk Southern CAPTION: Canadian National's acquisition of Illinois Central, Wisconsin Central and Great Lakes Transportation has increased the importance of Chicago as a hub in the CNnetwork CAPTION: Michael Ward says CSX's decision to outsource the management of locomotive maintenance at Waycross to General Electric has been highly beneficial 'Railroading has many unique characteristics that do not lend themselves to "one size fits all" models.' Michael Ward, CSX TABLE: Class Is in perspective The Class I railroads are defined by the Association of American Railroads as line-haul freight railroads with operating revenue in excess of US$272·0m. In 2003 there were seven US Class Is: Burlington Northern & Santa Fe, CSX Transportation, Grand Trunk Corp (Canadian National), Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern, Soo Line (Canadian Pacific Railway), and Union Pacific.