1990 acquired lines from CSX Transportation, Inc. and Norfolk Southern Railway.

The Thermal Belt Railway operates from Bostic to Alexander Mills to Forest City in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The company began service in 1990 on lines that were purchased by the Rutherford Railroad Development Corporation, a non-profit community group. The line was then leased to Southeast Shortlines, Inc., parent company of the Thermal Belt Railway.

Towns on Route:

Bostic

Rutherfordton