Schneider National and Norfolk Southern (NS), major U.S. logistics companies, announced a strategic partnership to expand intermodal transportation across 22 eastern U.S. states. The partnership will strengthen rail-and-truck transportation by expanding NS’s eastern network and utilizing Schneider’s assets.
Schneider National and Norfolk Southern (NS), major U.S. logistics companies, stated on 29 October that they had entered into a strategic partnership to expand domestic intermodal transportation in the eastern United States. Schneider plans to change its primary rail partner in the eastern region to NS and capture demand for transportation combining rail with trucking.
Schneider has 35 years of experience in intermodal transportation and owns 23,900 chassis and 26,800 containers. It uses more than 60 rail hubs in North America, and its own drivers are reportedly responsible for more than 90% of its drayage transportation. Through the partnership, the companies aim to expand the markets served and transportation capacity by utilizing NS’s eastern network.
NS operates an intermodal network across 22 eastern U.S. states, and intermodal volume reportedly increased 3% year on year in the third quarter of 2026. In anticipation of increased demand, the companies plan to launch a new service between Cincinnati and Atlanta, introduce double-stack capability on routes connecting the Midwest and New England, and expand terminals in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.
Planned facility improvements at locations including Atlanta, Louisville, Harrisburg, Chicago and St. Louis include upgrades to paving, lighting, storage space, maintenance facilities, truck traffic flows and security equipment. The companies intend to combine these assets and capital investments, shift some long-haul trucking to rail, and improve transportation capacity flexibility and supply chain stability.