Expanding our Short Line Performance Project across the entire network

Throughout 2024 and into 2025, Norfolk Southern has been working with more than 40 short line partners on the Short Line Improvement Project to enhance tools and daily visibility at interchanges. Alongside participating short lines, we have intensified our two-way communication, improved interchange planning, and eliminated growth bottlenecks. Based on the success at these locations, we’re now scaling the program to all our 260+ short line connections.

Our latest video features leaders from Norfolk Southern and key short line partners sharing how improved interchange performance is creating growth, customer confidence, and long-term success.

What we’ve seen so far: In 2024, more than 40 participating short lines helped us:

• Increase volume by 4.85%
• Address service issues quickly through real-time data and communication.

The 2025 approach:

• Real-time performance data
• Daily interchange visibility
• Shared communication channels
• Proactive coordination—not just on issues, but on growth opportunities
• Aiming to unlock approximately 6,000 new carloads of growth from our annual conference breakout sessions

Celebrating success: This year, we launched the Alan Lambert Short Line of the Year Award, honoring a legacy of collaboration and innovation. The winner: Alabama & Tennessee River Railway, which doubled interchange volume with NS in one year leveraging the program.

What makes this real: We’re not just talking. During our annual short line meeting, NS and short line commercial and operations leaders broke out for a joint safety training to further align how we operate safely and consistently. These teams also worked throughout the conference to identify new opportunities to grow in 2025.

Bottom line: When we have safety and efficiency on every line, we unlock growth in every mile—for all who depend on rail to move the weight of the world.