Elkhart Earns Norfolk Southern Terminal of the Year

Elkhart Terminal was named Norfolk Southern’s Terminal of the Year, recognized for sustained safety performance, strong collaboration, and consistent execution at one of the railroad’s most important Midwest gateways.

Why it matters:

Across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network, Elkhart stood out not for a single milestone, but for how teams aligned around shared expectations — living the company’s core value of safety while delivering reliable, resilient service in a complex, high-volume environment.

That consistency matters beyond the terminal. When operations run safely and predictably at a critical gateway like Elkhart, it supports a faster, smoother network — helping customers plan with confidence, keep their supply chains moving, and deliver reliably to their own customers.

A culture grounded in safety

The backdrop:
Before earning Terminal of the Year, Elkhart was recognized as Norfolk Southern’s Local Safety and Service Committee of the Year, an early signal that safety was embedded in daily work across the terminal.

The results:
That culture has produced measurable performance across every department:

• Engineering: More than five years without a reportable injury
• Car team: More than three years injury free
• Locomotive team: More than 600 injury-free days
• Transportation: A full injury-free year in 2025, with a current streak exceeding 180 days

“When you have a safe operation, you have a smooth and productive operation,” said Brent Emerson, Chief Engineer Line Maintenance."

One terminal, one team

Why it works:
Elkhart’s performance is driven by an intentional one-team approach. Transportation, Mechanical, and Engineering operate as a single unit, with craft and management aligned around the same standards and accountability.

That alignment shows daily through consistent communication, direct engagement in the field, and leaders and frontline supervisors working side by side.

“The teams work very well together across all departments,” said Sean Kennedy, Director Mechanical Operations. “The interaction between craft and management is open and collaborative.”

Assistant Superintendent AJ Jeffers said breaking down silos strengthened both safety and performance.

“Transportation partners closely with Mechanical and Engineering to make sure we’re executing as one team,” Jeffers said. “We reinforce a Speak Up culture where everyone is encouraged to raise concerns, challenge the status quo, and contribute ideas.”

Performance that follows

The payoff:
With safety embedded and teams aligned, Elkhart has delivered strong operational results: improving fluidity, increasing capacity, and executing reliably despite the demands of a high-volume terminal.

That performance translates directly to service. Fewer disruptions, better velocity, and steadier execution help trains move through the network more efficiently, directly benefitting customers.

Among recent accomplishments, the terminal also safely processed more than 1,100 railcars in a single shift, even while managing unplanned outages beyond their control — a feat made possible by seamless cross-functional engagement.

“Safety laid the foundation, and every decision is viewed through that lens,” said Colby Gardner, General Manager Operations. “It’s shown in the productivity of the terminal.”

A model within the network

The takeaway:
Norfolk Southern’s Terminal of the Year award recognizes Elkhart’s results, but more importantly, the culture behind them. Consistent execution, shared accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement have positioned Elkhart as a model for how living the value of safety drives more reliable and resilient service across the network.

For customers, that means a railroad they can count on — one that supports stable supply chains, dependable transit times, and the ability to grow their businesses with confidence.