NS
NS on Jan. 22 reported being named to Fortune’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies for the second consecutive year, rising two spots to No. 2 in the Trucking, Transportation, and Logistics category and coming in first among railroads.
The 28th edition of the magazine list is based on a poll of some 3,000 executives, directors, and analysts, conducted in partnership with Korn Ferry, a global organizational consulting firm; companies are evaluated on criteria including innovation, people management, social responsibility, and financial soundness. Apple took home the No. 1 spot for the 19th straight year in 2026.
According to NS, earning a place on the list reflects its “steady progress” (“being recognized again points to improvements that are carrying forward year over year,” it noted) and trust (“the ranking is based on how peers and analysts view Norfolk Southern’s leadership, reputation, and execution”), and “reinforces direction“ (“the 2026 recognition builds on a year of continued focus on safety, service, and long-term value”).
“Rising in the Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list and maintaining our top spot among railroads is a testament to our team’s relentless focus,” NS President and CEO Mark George said. “We’re advancing safety, delivering dependable service, and investing for long‑term value, so our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders can thrive together.”
Beyond the ranking, NS said it “continues to invest in safer operations, resilient infrastructure, and reliable service,” and the company’s strategy “emphasizes long-term value creation for customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.”
Separately, Railway Age has named NS EVP and COO John Orr as its 2026 Railroader of the Year. In Atlanta, the site of the railroad’s headquarters as well as Inman Yard, a principal intermodal hub, Orr recently met with Railway Age Editor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono to talk about his long career and the transformational work he’s doing at NS; watch the video here. Orr will discuss “Intentional Leadership” at Railway Age’s Next-Gen Freight Rail Conference, to be held March 10 at the Union League Club of Chicago.
Further Reading:
- NS: East Edge Double-Stack Service ‘Built for Growth’
- CPKC, NS Advance Locomotive Modernizations
- Sustainability as a Business Imperative, with Norfolk Southern Chief Sustainability Officer Josh Raglin – RAIL GROUP ON AIR PODCAST
UP
“Our Trenton, Missouri, Engineering team has reached a major safety milestone–working injury free for more than a decade!” UP reported via social media on Jan. 23. “Midwest weather may change by the hour, but this crew stays focused and prioritizes safety through reliable, collaborative work.”
“They look out for one another and themselves,” noted Matthew Sartain, UP Manager-Track Maintenance, in the railroad’s online posts. “This is a solid bunch, and they do a great job.”
Separately, UP’s Livonia, La., locomotive team recently reached one-year of injury-free service, which the railroad attributed to “a culture of mentorship, open communication and a commitment to the why behind each safety protocol.” Also, it partnered late last year to build a first responder training site in California.
