NS, Commtrex Team to Boost Transloading Business

Norfolk Southern (NS) has signed on with Houston, Tex.-based Commtrex to help connect shippers with its 32 transload facilities in the United States.

The Commtrex platform allows shippers to search for transload facilities by location, commodities handled and other parameters, according to the firm and NS, whose service area includes 22 states and the District of Columbia. Close to one-third of the 2,500 Commtrex members are said to be rail-served shippers.

BNSF, Canadian Pacific, CN, Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific’s Loup, and CSX TransFlo have also teamed with Commtrex.

“This partnership is impactful and enables transload customers to easily identify facilities served by Norfolk Southern, increasing access to shipping by rail, the most sustainable way to move freight over land,” NS Vice President Industrial Products Leggett Kitchin said. “The technology also enhances the quality of data available to customers so they can accurately identify connecting points between our shipping network and transload partners.”

Commtrex allows its members “to effectively identify and connect with transloaders across North America,” Commtrex CEO Martin Lew said. “There is no other platform that can connect shippers with Class I’s, short line railroads, transloaders, terminals and ports, and Norfolk Southern’s partnership with Commtrex will provide shippers with a best-in-class customer experience.”