Steady tracks in shifting markets

Global trade can shift overnight. Supply chains face unexpected disruptions. Demand patterns change with little warning. In today’s unpredictable world, businesses need a logistics partner built for resilience.

Rail — especially intermodal — offers that steady hand. In July 2025, search interest in “intermodal freight” hit a five-year high (Google Trends), signaling a shift in how businesses think about logistics. Norfolk Southern stands ready to meet this demand with a logistics network built for stability, flexibility, and growth.

Intermodal Momentum: A Structural Shift

Intermodal freight isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses build resilience. By combining the efficiency of rail with the flexibility of trucking, intermodal offers both cost and sustainability advantages while giving supply chains greater adaptability.

In the first half of 2025, U.S. intermodal volume climbed by 5.1% year-over-year — the third strongest start ever for the sector (AAR). That surge underscores how businesses are rethinking their logistics strategies to capture efficiency and reliability at scale.

Norfolk Southern is well positioned with the most extensive intermodal network in North America. We have partnerships with more than 50 inland, lake, sea, and river ports on the East Coast, and we have connections to Midwest hubs and fast-growing manufacturing regions, giving customers access to markets that matter most.

To expand market reach, Norfolk Southern also works with other Class I rail partners to create innovative interline service products. The latest example leverages Union Pacific's premier network to connect customers with key western and southern markets and Norfolk Southern's modernized intermodal facilities in the Louisville area.