The unique circular Bronx Freight Terminal was served by CNJ #1000 the first diesel switcher ever used on a mainline US Railroad in 1926.

Coal or 'Black Diamonds' provided the main source of profits for the CNJ up until the end of WWII when alternative energy sources replaced coal for heating and powering of heavy industries. With the high cost of its commuter trains, loss of revenue from coal and heavy taxes imposed by the State of New Jersey; the CNJ was bankrupted until its absorption in 1976 by Conrail.