Global Finance News
01 Nov 2026, 11:22
Norfolk Southern and Schneider Expand Intermodal Partnership Across Eastern U.S.
Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) and Schneider National (NYSE: SNDR) announced a strategic agreement to expand domestic intermodal capacity across the eastern United States, combining Norfolk Southern’s rail network with Schneider’s asset-based intermodal operations.
Under the partnership, Schneider will transition its primary eastern rail provider to Norfolk Southern. The move is intended to broaden Schneider’s access to key markets, improve network flexibility and create additional opportunities to shift freight from truckload transportation to intermodal.
Schneider brings approximately 23,900 chassis, 26,800 containers and access to more than 60 intermodal rail hubs across North America. More than 90% of its domestic dray moves are handled by company drivers, giving the carrier greater control over pickup and delivery operations.
Norfolk Southern, meanwhile, is investing across its 22-state intermodal network, including terminal expansions, gateway capacity, double-stack clearance projects and reliability improvements. Its intermodal volumes increased 3% in the third quarter of 2026, supported by consumer demand, truck-market conditions and network improvements.
The companies highlighted projects including new Cincinnati-to-Atlanta service, East Edge double-stack clearance improvements connecting the Midwest and New England, and terminal investments in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.
The agreement strengthens Norfolk Southern’s position in domestic intermodal while giving Schneider a larger eastern rail platform. For both companies, the partnership could support longer-term volume growth by offering shippers a more scalable and cost-efficient alternative to over-the-road freight.
Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) and Schneider National (NYSE: SNDR) announced a strategic agreement to expand domestic intermodal capacity across the eastern United States, combining Norfolk Southern’s rail network with Schneider’s asset-based intermodal operations.
Under the partnership, Schneider will transition its primary eastern rail provider to Norfolk Southern. The move is intended to broaden Schneider’s access to key markets, improve network flexibility and create additional opportunities to shift freight from truckload transportation to intermodal.
Schneider brings approximately 23,900 chassis, 26,800 containers and access to more than 60 intermodal rail hubs across North America. More than 90% of its domestic dray moves are handled by company drivers, giving the carrier greater control over pickup and delivery operations.
Norfolk Southern, meanwhile, is investing across its 22-state intermodal network, including terminal expansions, gateway capacity, double-stack clearance projects and reliability improvements. Its intermodal volumes increased 3% in the third quarter of 2026, supported by consumer demand, truck-market conditions and network improvements.
The companies highlighted projects including new Cincinnati-to-Atlanta service, East Edge double-stack clearance improvements connecting the Midwest and New England, and terminal investments in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.
The agreement strengthens Norfolk Southern’s position in domestic intermodal while giving Schneider a larger eastern rail platform. For both companies, the partnership could support longer-term volume growth by offering shippers a more scalable and cost-efficient alternative to over-the-road freight.
