Rail: Strong, Resilient – And More Flexible Than Ever
Norfolk Southern returns to the reliable service that moves the world for customers.
Norfolk Southern has been laser-focused on becoming better, and dedicated to delivering service that customers can count on from people they can trust.
GOING FURTHER TO EARN BACK FREIGHT
In mid-2022, NS faced significant challenges with network fluidity, railcar shortages, and extended cycle times, all of which strained its ability to provide automotive customers with enough railcars to support their operations, resulting in subpar order fills and lower efficiency. As dealerships began to run low on inventory, one major automotive manufacturer turned to alternative transportation, incurring millions in unexpected costs.
To restore network performance, NS focused on improving fluidity and increasing railcar velocity. They closely monitored and balanced equity across railroads to ensure better access to bi-level railcars. And they increased their fleet of bi-levels by more than 10% between 2023 and 2024. NS also ramped up its commitment to fleet maintenance, reducing bad order railcars from over 6% to under 4%, which reduced cycle times and helped them better meet customer demand.
By providing consistent service and steady railcar availability, NS rebuilt trust with this major automotive customer, growing their business across multiple loading locations and reducing expensive alternative transportation methods.
“The improvements we’re making in our service product are allowing us to move current freight more efficiently, earn the trust that wins freight we previously lost to truck, and bring new freight to our network.” – Mark George, Norfolk Southern President and CEO
ELEVATING SERVICE TO WIN NEW BUSINESS
Beyond restoring service, Norfolk Southern also helped another customer grow. An automotive OEM faced a problem: demand for their mid-sized trucks had increased in 2023 and 2024, surpassing the railroad’s daily loading plan.
By collaborating with local transportation and equipment allocation teams, the NS team increased capacity to handle 25% more railcars per day. In addition, the OEM worked with the local contractor to increase vehicle handling to/from railcars to match the additional railcar handlings consistently 7 days per week.
NS is now shipping 5,000 more railcars of vehicles annually for the company, helping them reach their full potential with rail.
BUILT ON RESILIENCE. BACKED BY DEDICATED PEOPLE. READY TO DELIVER FOR YOU.
Norfolk Southern has learned from past challenges. They’re primed to help you grow with service and people you can count on. They’re winning back freight. And they’re ready to make yours move further and more seamlessly than ever.
See how NS can deliver more flexible and reliable service at norfolksouthern.com/intermodal.
