Norfolk Southern, Schneider National team to scale East Coast intermodal reach

The railroad’s potential merger with Union Pacific is “the icing on the cake” of the partnership, Schneider CEO Jim Filter said.

By tapping into Norfolk Southern’s broader eastern network Schneider will expand its logistics reach and help pursue truck-to-intermodal conversion opportunities, Filter told analysts. Previously, CSX had served as Schneider’s primary rail provider since 2008, a Schneider spokesperson said in an email.

“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,” Michael Baumgardt, Schneider EVP of intermodal and logistics, said in the release.

The agreement builds on the railroad’s investments across its intermodal network, which spans 22 states, per the release. Some of the company’s recent projects include a new service between Cincinnati and Atlanta, as well as double-stack clearance improvements between the Midwest and New England. The railroad is also undergoing terminal expansions in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois. The railroad is also working to improve pavement, truck access routes and storage areas at several facilities.

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