Norfolk Southern Leaders Provide ‘Rail Answers to Supply Chain Issues’ During Industry Panel

Norfolk Southern Marketing leaders participate in panel discussion during the Atlanta Chapter of the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals’ February meeting.

Norfolk Southern Marketing leaders recently updated industry professionals on how rail is providing answers to supply chain issues during a local meeting of the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

CSCMP has 10,000 members worldwide. Norfolk Southern hosted the Atlanta Chapter at headquarters in February, and it was the chapter’s largest in-person meeting turnout post-pandemic. The council’s President and CEO Mark Baxa set the stage with opening remarks, “I really value the contributions of the rail industry to our nation’s supply chain, and not only our nation’s, our world’s.”

Norfolk Southern Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins followed him by providing an overview of the company’s contributions to the economy, “Railroads are the safest way to move necessary commodities for our economy… We’re proud of that, and we take our role very seriously.”

“We drive the American economy in many different ways,” continued Elkins. “We handle an enormous amount of this country and this world’s trade.” Elkins also showcased Norfolk Southern’s deeply felt impact with a few fast facts: Norfolk Southern moves enough flour each day to bake over 11 million loaves of bread. While it is a routine thing to go to the store and expect them to be stocked, it takes a tremendous effort to do so.

Stefan Loeb, Norfolk Southern VP First and Final Mile Markets, focused on making the case for rail – including the speed to market, connectivity, and sustainability benefits. He also talked about his desire to deliver integrated solutions that extend traditional rail capabilities beyond the track: “In supply chains, you have to be creative… We have to think like our customers’ supply chain and create specific solutions around that.”

Norfolk Southern Group Vice President Chemicals Meghan Achimasi discussed how her team supports more than 3,500 customers that deliver more than 1,000 unique goods to the global marketplace. For example, “one of the ingredients that gives Legos their structure.” Achimasi also highlighted Norfolk Southern’s robust investments to enhance safety and the overall customer experience: “We have myriad of tech solutions that are going to allow us to change the game – like RailPulse and Digital Train Inspection Portals – these are just two of the things that will help us take rail shipping and logistics to the next level.” During the question and answer, Meghan was asked about any headwinds the company is forecasting. Meghan’s answer was simple, “There’s nothing we can’t solve for.”

Shawn Tureman, VP Intermodal Automotive, talked about how the company’s new strategy to chart a better way forward for the rail industry is helping the Intermodal franchise be even more competitive: “We’re delivering resiliency by investing in our workforce, enhancing technology and simplifying processes, and seeking smart, sustainable growth opportunities that yield long term growth.” Also during the question and answer, Shawn was asked, “How do you expand your network?” He responded, “We begin investments before they’re needed, and we work to lead demand with smart capacity.” The same audience member also stated, “Thank you for your commitment to safety and service… we’re seeing an immediate impact of what you’re doing – including in driver dwell time.”

Josh Raglin, Chief Sustainability Officer, dug into where rail can be a partner in sustainability solutions, and how Norfolk Southern can support its customers with informed, supply-chain decision making: “Our commitment is clear: to work hand in hand with all stakeholders—customers, regulators, industry partners, and investors—to advance sustainability objectives. With over 25 percent of shippers adopting science-based reduction targets and 90 percent of our top 50 intermodal partners setting carbon reduction goals, we recognize the pivotal role of rail in sustainability solutions. Through innovative tools like our Rail Emissions Report and Carbon Calculator, we empower shippers with actionable data to drive meaningful change across supply chains.”

Norfolk Southern Director Rail Integrated Solutions Ashley King told the group, “Everyone can be a rail customer, and if you’ve got a question about that, I am confident we have a way to convert your business to rail.” Rail Integrated Solutions is within the First and Final Mile Markets department. The team includes Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer, Modalgistics and Thoroughbred Freight Transfer, and the team’s combined efforts provide customers with solutions beyond the railhead.  

Alan Brown, Norfolk Southern Sr. Manager Supply Chain Strategy moderated the panel discussion, and he reflected, “In 2024, it’s a new railroad each day… we’re answering different problems in different ways.”