Coal shipments have been a problem for CSX and its competitor Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) throughout the year due to a shift towards cheaper natural gas and overhanging coal inventories. For CSX, its intermodal and chemical shipments have been important factors contributing to its growth in revenue and volumes for the nine months of 2013. CSX is targeting an operating ratio in the high-60's by 2015, by focusing on safety, service, efficiency and above-inflation pricing.