Norfolk Southern railyard with rail shipping in progress

HOW DOES RAIL SHIPPING WORK?

Rail is the safest, most efficient, and most sustainable way to transport goods over land. For almost two centuries, it has linked communities and customers to marketplaces worldwide.

New to rail? Learn more below about how to get started. Then reach out to our team and get moving forward.

Where Do We Ship?

Extensive US Presence and Worldwide Access Via Trusted Partners

Our network spans approximately 19,500 route miles east of the Mississippi River in 22 states and D.C. But our access doesn’t end there. Our shipments originate or terminate all over the world. Let us get you there.

Our Rail Network
Map

We help support global trade in conjunction with port partners who connect our customers to marketplaces worldwide. We serve 24 seaports, 10 river ports, and 9 lake ports.

Shipping can be complex. We keep it simple. Our team of first and final mile experts will work with you to arrange truck transfer between your facilities and our rail for an all-in-one shipping solution.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHIPPING BY RAIL?

Because rail transport is both cost-effective and sustainable, it remains a preferred mode of shipping for businesses across a wide range of industries. Our customers rely on our vast network and reliable schedules.

Reliability

With rail, you can expect your shipment to arrive within a predetermined time frame.

Icon of shield and checkmark representing Norfolk Southern’s reliable rail shipping

Efficiency

Ideal for transporting large loads over long distances, rail easily adapts to your business needs.

Icon of stopwatch portraying Norfolk Southern’s efficient rail shipping

Access

Our rail lines are extensive, but access doesn’t end there. We offer door-to-door solutions via intermodal transport.

Icon of map illustrating Norfolk Southern’s accessible rail shipping

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

We provide a range of options to fit your shipping needs. Based on your budget, timing, and goods, we will work with you to find what works best for you.

Many New Customers Consider Intermodal Containers

What is intermodal?
Intermodal containers can easily be transferred between trucks, container ships, and trains. Some customers will share intermodal containers — meaning you can ship by rail without filling an entire container.

 

Intermodal options include: 

  • Trucking your freight to an NS terminal to transfer your containers to rail  
  • Transferring at port terminal connections
  • Engaging with an NS-offered first and final mile service
Get Started With NS
Norfolk Southern railyard with many intermodal containers awaiting rail shipping

Shipping Other Commodities or Items?

To get started, select your industry. We’ll match you with a team member who’s familiar with your service needs and can guide you on how to ship with rail. We can also make recommendations on which of our first and final mile services make sense for you.

Choose Your Industry
Norfolk Southern railyard with many intermodal containers awaiting rail shipping

Expanding or Establishing a New Facility?

Your local industrial development manager will be with you every step of the way to create and execute a plan tailored to your needs. We'll work alongside you with everything from feasibility analysis and detailed engineering through track construction and inspection. Once the facility is built, we'll get you onboarded in our system, enabling you to order and receive railcars.

See How the Process Works
Norfolk Southern train towing different types of rail shipping cars aerial view through a field

Connect With an Industry Development Expert

Talk to a rail shipping expert in your industry to start planning your site and rail service.

Talk to an Expert

Need Third-Party Warehouse or Transload Location?

We have over 400 warehouses and can help you identify a facility to help handle product distribution.

Find a Transload Facility

Have Existing Rail Infrastructure On-Site but Need to Confirm it Can Be Utilized?

Connect with your local industrial development manager to start developing a plan.

Connect to Rail

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Find Rules, Conditions & Tariffs

Learn more about the legal requirements and fees. We’ve compiled the most up-to-date information.

Rules, Conditions, and Tariffs

Get Specs on Our Rail Equipment

Not sure what equipment best suits your needs? Our Equipment page details the capacity of each of our options.

Explore Equipment

Find a Rail-Ready Building Site

Explore 800+ available sites served by Norfolk Southern — from 3 acres to 3,000 acres.

Explore Rail Development

Calculate Carbon Savings

Our customers save 15 million metric tons of CO2 a year. Find out how much you can reduce emissions and costs by shipping with us.

Use the Carbon Calculator

WHY PARTNER WITH NORFOLK SOUTHERN?

When you work with us, you're getting a partner that you can count on. We’re proud of the way we operate, and this is what sets us apart.

Safety

No matter where our trains travel across our network, everything starts with safety.

Everything Starts With Safety
Norfolk Southern employee practicing safety in rail shipping
Technology

We’re investing in the newest technology that optimizes reliability, drives advances in safety, and maximizes profitability for our customers.

Latest Enhancements
Norfolk Southern employees using technology to optimize rail shipping by talking near computers
Sustainability

We’re taking bold action and innovative approaches to drive our own sustainability efforts forward, helping our customers reduce their emissions as we work together to build a better planet.

See Our Progress
Norfolk Southern employee using sustainability practices in rail shipping in a field holding a flower