Norfolk Southern and Schneider form strategic partnership to boost eastern U.S. intermodal capacity

Norfolk Southern Corp. and Schneider National announced a strategic agreement that will make Norfolk Southern the primary rail provider for Schneider’s intermodal operations in the eastern United States. The deal combines Norfolk Southern’s 22‑state rail network and ongoing infrastructure upgrades with Schneider’s asset‑based fleet of roughly 23,900 chassis, 26,800 containers and more than 60 intermodal hubs. The partnership is intended to give shippers a scalable alternative to truck‑only moves and to increase network flexibility and market reach.

The collaboration should expand capacity for rail‑based freight in the East, potentially shifting volume from truck to rail and improving service reliability for both companies' customers. Investors in Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Schneider (SNDR) may see longer‑term revenue growth from the added intermodal traffic.

  • 1Norfolk Southern will serve as Schneider’s primary eastern rail provider under the new agreement.
  • 2Schneider operates about 23,900 chassis and 26,800 containers, plus more than 60 intermodal rail hubs across North America.
  • 3Norfolk Southern reported a 3% increase in intermodal volumes in the third quarter of 2026.
  • 4The railroad is investing in its eastern network, including a new service between Cincinnati and Atlanta, improvements to its East Edge corridor, and terminal upgrades across Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.
  • 5The partnership is effective January 1, 2024.

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