Norfolk Southern Corporation and Schneider National, Inc. announced a strategic intermodal partnership on October 29, 2026, combining Schneider's asset-based intermodal services with Norfolk Southern's eastern U.S. rail network and ongoing infrastructure investments.

Key Highlights

  • Strategic agreement announced: Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) and Schneider National (NYSE:SNDR) announced a partnership to advance domestic intermodal growth by combining their respective networks and assets.
  • Schneider's asset base: According to the filing, Schneider brings approximately 23,900 chassis, 26,800 containers, and more than 60 North American intermodal rail hubs to the partnership.
  • Driver coverage: The filing states that professional company dray drivers complete more than 90% of Schneider's domestic dray moves.
  • Norfolk Southern volume growth: The filing reports that Norfolk Southern's intermodal volumes grew 3% in the third quarter of 2026.
  • 22-state network: Norfolk Southern's intermodal network spans 22 states, with terminal expansions underway in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, and Illinois, according to the filing.
  • New service route: The filing cites a new service between Cincinnati and Atlanta among recent Norfolk Southern network projects, along with double-stack clearance improvements connecting the Midwest and New England via the East Edge route.

Norfolk Southern and Schneider Combine Networks to Expand Eastern U.S. Intermodal Reach

According to the filing, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) and Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE:SNDR) have entered into a strategic agreement intended to bring together Schneider's 35 years of intermodal expertise and company-owned assets with Norfolk Southern's extensive eastern U.S. intermodal infrastructure. The announcement was made October 29, 2026, from Atlanta and Green Bay, Wisconsin. The filing describes Schneider as transitioning its "primary eastern rail provider to Norfolk Southern," which the company says will expand access to key markets and increase network flexibility.

Michael Baumgardt, Executive Vice President of Intermodal and Logistics at Schneider, is quoted in the filing stating that the transition "will strengthen Schneider's competitive position and enhance the reliable service experience our customers expect." Ed Elkins, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, is quoted saying the companies are "investing ahead of that demand" and that the combination of network reach, terminal investments, and Schneider's logistics expertise creates "new opportunities to move freight across North America."

The filing details several active Norfolk Southern infrastructure projects supporting the agreement, including terminal upgrades at facilities across Atlanta, Louisville, Harrisburg, Croxton, Chesapeake, Charlotte, Chicago, and St. Louis. Improvements cited include pavement, lighting, storage areas, maintenance facilities, truck access routes, and security systems. The filing also notes that Norfolk Southern's intermodal volumes grew 3% in the third quarter of 2026, attributed to steady consumer demand, favorable truck-market dynamics, and network improvements.

What Was Disclosed

The filing disclosed a strategic partnership between Norfolk Southern and Schneider National combining their intermodal networks and assets, including details on Schneider's equipment base, driver coverage, and Norfolk Southern's ongoing 22-state infrastructure investment program and recent volume growth.