World Economy

Norfolk Southern Charts Course for Intermodal Growth Through Operational Standardization

Norfolk Southern is positioning intermodal transportation for its next expansion phase by aligning rail operations with trucking's efficiency standards. The railroad said terminal performance improvements and predictable service delivery will be critical to capturing additional freight volumes. The carrier aims to reduce friction points that have traditionally complicated rail intermodal compared to over-the-road alternatives. Norfolk Southern's strategy focuses on making rail schedules, accountability measures and operational transparency competitive with trucking's established service model. The initiative comes as shippers increasingly seek alternatives to highway transport amid driver shortages and congestion. By standardizing terminal processes and improving coast-to-coast reliability, Norfolk Southern believes it can attract more freight to its intermodal network and strengthen its competitive position against motor carriers.