Intended to replace the Memphis Special as the preeminent carrier on the Washington–Memphis run, one of its critical duties was the transportation of mail for the Railway Mail Service division of the Post Office Department. The train's almost immediate success was further bolstered by a sharp rise in passenger traffic during World War II.
The train was designed to replace the Memphis Special as the primary carrier on the Washington–Memphis route, with one of its main tasks being the delivery of mail for the Railway Mail Service division. Its early success was bolstered by an increase in passenger travel during World War II.