The AC&W operates freight service from a connection with CSX at Aberdeen, North Carolina to Star, North Carolina, 34.46 miles. Rail is 70 to 85 pound. A virtual connection is also made at Aberdeen with the Aberdeen & Rockfish, although no interchange to speak of takes place between the two railroads. The company has leased and operated Norfolk Southern's Charlotte-Star-Gulf line, 104 miles, since 1989. This line connects at Charlotte and Gulf with Norfolk Southern and at Norwood with the Winston-Salem Southbound Railroad. Rail is 85 to 110 pound. Total miles operated is 104 making it the largest shortline in the Carolinas in these terms.

Norfolk Southern Railway sold the line to the Aberdeen & Briar Patch on August 1, 1983 following their decision to abandon the line. The Aberdeen, Carolina & Western purchased the assets of the A&BP and began operations on June 19, 1987. The company leased the Norfolk Southern Charlotte line on May 1, 1989. The company is owned by Robert Menzies.

Towns on Route:

Line #1 - Gulf to Charlotte:

Gulf

Carbonton

Glendon

Parkwood

Robbins

Spies

Star

Troy

Wadeville

Mount Gilead

Hydro

Norwood

Aquadale

Oakboro

Stanfield

Midland

Allen

Charlotte

Line #2 - Aberdeen to Star:

Aberdeen

Pinehurst

Taylortown

West End

Eagle Springs

Samarcand

Candor

Biscoe

Star