Advancing sustainable shipping through collaboration

By Chad Previch, Senior Communications Manager

Norfolk Southern has joined the Smart Freight Centre, a global nonprofit dedicated to more sustainable logistics. This partnership underscores Norfolk Southern’s commitment to sustainable rail and building a greener supply chain.

Why it matters: Both organizations share a common goal: lowering emissions and improving efficiency across freight transportation. By collaborating with the Smart Freight Centre, Norfolk Southern reinforces its pledge to help customers meet their climate goals.

Zooming out: The Smart Freight Centre co-founded an organization that brought together industry leaders and freight stakeholders to develop standards and tools for how the heavy transport industry reduces supply chain emissions. That work helped create the framework to which NS’ own RailGreen program aligns.

Additional benefits: As part of our membership, NS will be included on the Global Logistics Emissions Council, which drives widespread, transparent and consistent calculation and reporting of emissions, and the Clean Cargo group in which NS will learn and share best practices.

What we’re saying:

“Together, Norfolk Southern and Smart Freight Centre are paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient supply chain. Rail is already the most sustainable way to move freight over land, and our collaboration with the Smart Freight Centre allows us to better meet our customers’ sustainability goals.” — Josh Raglin, NS Chief Sustainability Officer

“Partnership is key to advancing sustainable shipping. By engaging with maritime collaborators and cargo owners, we’re reducing supply chain emissions and delivering smarter logistics solutions that benefit our customers and the environment.” — Ed Elkins, NS EVP & Chief Commercial Officer

Chad Previch leads external communications for Norfolk Southern in the areas of Sustainability, Community Impact and Technology. He also manages messaging related to the company’s Government Relations and Investor Relations priorities. He joined NS in 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of PR and corporate communications experience.