GREEN BAY, Wis., ATLANTA, Ga. — Schneider National Inc. and Norfolk Southern Corporation are announcing a strategic agreement that combines Schneider’s 35 years of intermodal expertise, professional company drivers, company-owned assets and logistics capabilities with Norfolk Southern’s extensive eastern U.S. intermodal network and ongoing infrastructure investments.
“Schneider’s Intermodal network is built on a strong asset-based foundation that gives customers the control, consistency and reliability they depend on,” said Michael Baumgardt, executive vice president of intermodal and logistics, Schneider. “As we transition our primary eastern rail provider to Norfolk Southern, we’ll expand access to key markets, increase network flexibility and create new opportunities to better serve our customers. It will strengthen Schneider’s competitive position and enhance the reliable service experience our customers expect.”
Demand for Intermodal Solutions
According to Schneider, the partnership brings together two networks built around breadth, consistency and customer growth at a time when demand for intermodal solutions continues to build. Schneider’s Intermodal Service is backed by company-owned tractors, approximately 23,900 chassis and 26,800 containers, more than 60 intermodal rail hubs across North America and professional company dray drivers who complete more than 90% of Schneider’s domestic dray moves. Norfolk Southern’s intermodal volumes grew 3% in the third quarter of 2026, supported by steady consumer demand, favorable truck-market dynamics and network improvements.
Evolving Customer Needs
According to Schneider, as one of the largest intermodal carriers in North America, Schneider brings more than three decades of intermodal expertise to help customers move freight with truck-like reliability and rail-driven efficiency. In addition to its company-owned containers, lightweight chassis, company-operated dray fleet and company drivers, Schneider also supports performance through priority rail access, proactive execution across long-haul lanes, satellite tracking for real-time visibility and advanced security measures. Aligning with Norfolk Southern reflects Schneider’s commitment to evolving with customer needs and changing freight flows. Norfolk Southern’s expansive eastern network broadens Schneider’s reach, creating new opportunities to grow with existing customers, attract new freight, and convert truckload shipments to intermodal.
Strengthening the Domestic Supply Chain
“Customers are taking a broader view of intermodal than ever before, and we are investing ahead of that demand,” said Ed Elkins, executive vice president and CCO, Norfolk Southern. “By combining Norfolk Southern’s network reach, as well as our terminal investments and capacity, with Schneider’s proven logistics expertise, owned equipment and customer relationships, we are creating new opportunities to move freight across North America and make rail a stronger part of the domestic supply chain.”
Investing Ahead of Growth
The agreement builds on Norfolk Southern’s strategy to invest ahead of customer growth across its 22-state intermodal network. Recent and ongoing projects include a new service between Cincinnati and Atlanta; double-stack clearance improvements connecting the Midwest and New England through the East Edge route; and terminal expansions in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois. At facilities across Atlanta, Louisville, Harrisburg, Croxton, Chesapeake, Charlotte, Chicago and St. Louis, Norfolk Southern is also improving pavement, lighting, storage areas, maintenance facilities, truck access routes and security systems to strengthen reliability, driver turn times and the everyday terminal experience customers depend on.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to making intermodal transportation more dependable and more accessible for customers,” Schneider said. “By bringing together complementary strengths and investing for long-term growth, Schneider and Norfolk Southern are helping shape the future of domestic freight transportation.”
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe.
