what is short line

“Short line” usually means a small or limited-length railroad route , especially one that connects local customers to a larger rail network. In everyday use, it can also mean a brief line of text or dialogue, but the railroad meaning is the most common in transport contexts.

Common meanings

• Railroad: a smaller freight railroad that handles first-mile or last-mile service.

• General language: a short sentence, phrase, or line of text.

In railroads

Short lines are important because they connect shippers in smaller towns or industrial areas with major carriers, helping goods move across the wider freight system. They’re often locally operated and cover relatively short distances compared with major railroads.

If you meant the phrase in a different context, I can explain that version too.