Katie Farmer’s Post

♦ Norfolk Southern Cuts Intermodal Service to Some Cities, Reroutes Traffic to Others In a move to optimize its network and focus on high-demand markets, Norfolk Southern (NS) announced that it will stop intermodal service to Birmingham, Alabama; and New Orleans on Feb. 19, affecting both domestic and international cargo. The railroad also said it will reroute some traffic between Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Missouri, and Tennessee, starting from Feb. 12. The changes are part of NS’s long-term strategy to improve efficiency and profitability, as well as to cope with the challenges posed by the import surge and longer dwell times at its terminals. According to Ari Ashe, Senior Editor at the JOC.com, a leading industry publication, NS plans to convert all its international intermodal terminals to ground container facilities by 2023, which will allow it to stack more boxes and keep the cargo flowing. These developments have significant implications for importers and exporters who rely on intermodal transportation to move their goods across the US. Depending on their origin and destination, they may face longer transit times, higher costs, or reduced capacity. To navigate these changes and find the best solutions for their supply chain needs, they can benefit from the expertise and services of John S. James Co., a U.S. Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder with over 80 years of experience. Visit johnsjames.com to learn more. #NorfolkSouthern #Intermodal #SupplyChain #JournalOfCommerce #JOC #Birmingham #Alabama #NewOrleans #Pennsylvania #NewJersey #Ohio #Missouri #Tennessee

PORTS: Norfolk Southern will shutter international intermodal service from South Carolina Ports and Georgia Ports Authority to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Louisville, effective mid-March. While CSX remains an option for importers using Charleston and Savannah to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Louisville, it is a blow to GPA's Mid-America Arc initiative. But the numbers show that the Savannah to Chicago route never really caught on with beneficial cargo owners — it never was able to win share from The Port of Virginia and The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. In this article, Shawn Tureman explains how Norfolk Southern can repurpose the resources to other high-volume lanes, such as Savannah-Charleston to Atlanta or Memphis. He also said that if the port authorities can build density to the Midwest in the future, then NS would re-institute service. https://lnkd.in/e-cTKUz3

The 70s corridor is a key part of the national freight distribution system, spanning over 2,150 miles and connecting the Midwest to both coasts. The Bi-State region relies heavily on this essential corridor of interstates as a crucial transportation thoroughfare, with numerous companies having locations on both sides of the Mississippi River and conducting business with suppliers and customers across state lines. This results in a constant flow of goods and materials.   The corridor is adjacent to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, making it an ideal location for freight distribution, and boasts convenient access to two regional airports. The location’s easy access to major highways, interstates, six Class I railroads, and water transportation networks makes it a strategic location for companies looking to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively. Click the map to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g54xDVwa

Stay informed with our April Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. This month, the index reflects the considerable demand shifts for the Ports of Norfolk, New York, and New Jersey due to the recent Francis Scott Key Bridge damage, effectively eliminating access to the inner harbor and closing the Port of Baltimore. Some highlights from this month's edition: - Port and dray in the Atlantic region have been moved to "severe" - Three other regions are have been moved to elevated levels - Operations at Gulf Coast ports remain normal Get more into depth with April's index: https://hubs.li/Q02sq1b_0 #logisticsupdate #containertracking #visibility

This week: On the Domestic Freight side of things, Elizabeth, NJ, continues to boom, hitting its 52-week High. In Maritime news, the Port of Tacoma and Port of Houston have seen quite the rebound from last week, nearing their 52-week Highs. To keep on the news of highs, Memphis, TN, also saw its 52-week High for Inbound Rail this week. See more in our report below. https://okt.to/TEpDWn #importexport #intermodal #containershipping #railtrends #truckingtrends

NS to eliminate Midwest service from Charleston, Savannah due to low volumes Norfolk Southern Railway will halt intermodal service from Charleston and Savannah to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Louisville in mid-March due to low volumes. This move follows a similar decision regarding service to Birmingham and New Orleans. Resources will be redirected to high-volume lanes like Atlanta and Memphis. The Georgia Ports Authority, impacted by the decision, emphasizes that CSX Transportation continues to serve these routes and assures no impact on planned projects. The ports of Charleston and Savannah will focus on other destinations, like Atlanta, Memphis, and inland ports in South Carolina. https://lnkd.in/gN3GUyu4

This month's index closely follows the ongoing situation in Baltimore. Port/Dray operations along the East Coast—especially at Norfolk, New Jersey, and New York—have been moved to severe. We anticipate that container diversions originally planned for Baltimore could also impact east inland rail ramps. For shippers, maintaining visibility into the discharge of diverted containers is critical for mitigating delays and minimizing demurrage/detention fees.  Download the index for more.

BNSF, UP working through rail container backlogs in Southern California Terminal operators at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are addressing a backlog of rail containers due to increased imports, with Yusen Terminals in Los Angeles handling double the usual volume. Despite the backlog, no significant congestion has occurred yet. Anticipating continued high volumes, railroads like BNSF and Union Pacific are deploying more intermodal railcars and adjusting operations to clear out containers. BNSF is steadily reducing the backlog and expects to be current by April, utilizing dedicated equipment focused on port operations. While some terminals cope well, others like TraPac experience surges, leading to temporary embargoes. The dwell time for rail containers has increased, prompting efforts to reduce inventory, with the Port of Los Angeles aiming for a decrease from 12,500 to 9,000 containers. Similarly, the Port of Long Beach is addressing its increased inventory compared to usual levels. https://lnkd.in/gwnE_AUu

📢 Breaking News: SC Ports Expanding Rail Capacity to Support Port-Dependent Businesses South Carolina Ports is making strategic investments in rail capacity across South Carolina to efficiently handle goods for the state’s booming economy. The future Navy Base Intermodal Facility in North Charleston, opening in July 2025, will be equipped with six rail-mounted gantry cranes, streamlining container movement between CSX and Norfolk Southern trains. This expansion directly benefits our clients and prospects, ensuring swift goods transportation to market. As John S. James Co., a trusted U.S. Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder, we’re poised to address any shipping process challenges highlighted in the article. Read the full article by the highly respected industry media publication, American Journal of Transportation, and discover how our services at johnsjames.com can create new client opportunities. #SupplyChain #Logistics #RailCapacity #SouthCarolina #ShippingOpportunities #TomorrowIsHere #Imports #Exports #Rail

The past, the present, and most importantly, the future of Norfolk Southern is what I had the privilege of talking about during my conversation with Chris Clark, CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, at the Southeast Association of Rail Shippers (SEARS) of Rail Shippers Spring Meeting in Atlanta. As I told Chris, last year, we began implementing our new strategic vision, A Better Way. It’s a pivot from focusing only on short-term gains to driving long-term value for our customers, our employees, our shareholders, and the communities we serve. Our approach balances safe and reliable service, continuous productivity improvement and smart growth.  The entire NS team is working together to enhance our safety culture, and we’re stronger because of it. As a result, we delivered industry leading improvements, and our mainline accident rate was down 42% last year. Our powerful franchise is built for growth, and we’re delivering. We see immense opportunities in evolving market demands, driven by trends like e-commerce, manufacturing, and sustainability. It’s all part of our vision as we chart A Better Way for #NorfolkSouthern and the rail industry. We’re building a stronger, more resilient future for rail transportation. Watch our full conversation at https://lnkd.in/efyc59pB.