Norfolk Southern Corporation is a leading Class I freight railroad operating in the eastern United States. The company provides comprehensive rail transportation services, including bulk commodities such as coal, agricultural products, and chemicals, as well as intermodal container traffic, automotive shipments and industrial products. Through its integrated supply-chain solutions, Norfolk Southern connects producers, manufacturers and distribution centers to major ports and inland terminals.
The company’s rail network spans over 19,000 route miles across 22 states and the District of Columbia, with key corridors linking the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast regions. Norfolk Southern also serves the Port of Virginia, one of the fastest-growing and deepest ports on the U.S. Atlantic coast, and maintains interconnections with other North American rail carriers, enabling cross-border freight movements into Canada and Mexico.
Formed in 1982 through the merger of Southern Railway Company and Norfolk & Western Railway, Norfolk Southern has grown through strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investments. In 1999, the company further expanded its reach by acquiring substantial assets of Conrail’s eastern operations, enhancing its intermodal network and solidifying its position as a critical freight artery in the U.S. economy.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Norfolk Southern is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Alan H. Shaw. Under Shaw’s leadership, the company continues to focus on operational efficiency, safety initiatives and targeted capital projects aimed at improving network fluidity and supporting customer growth in an evolving logistics landscape.