Norfolk Southern Corporation operates a major freight railroad, primarily engaged in transporting raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods across the Southeast, East, and Midwest regions of the United States. The company, founded in 1980 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, manages a sprawling network of approximately 19,100 route miles and has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., facilitating significant freight flow between key manufacturing areas and ports. Norfolk Southern's diverse revenue streams include merchandise, intermodal services, and coal transportation, with merchandise accounting for over half of its total operating revenues in 2023.
In addition to traditional freight solutions, Norfolk Southern is focused on enhancing its operations through strategic investments in infrastructure and capital projects. The company's extensive reach connects numerous distribution centers and industrial facilities, enabling efficient freight movement domestically and through Gulf and Atlantic ports for international shipping. With recent agreements to purchase additional rail lines and a commitment to improving operational efficiency, Norfolk Southern is poised to strengthen its market position amidst fierce competition from rail and other transportation modes.