As globalization of the world's economies continues, more businesses are involved in international trade, and intermodal containers now are predominant in global shipping.

In general, international containers are 20', 40', or 45', standardized to allow containers easy movement overseas by ship, over the road by truck, and stacked on an intermodal rail car for rail transport.

Norfolk Southern operates an extensive and reliable double-stack rail network, serving more major eastern US markets than any other rail carrier. In addition, NS offers connections to carriers in the western US and Canada. Transcontinental moves are interchanged between railroads at major gateways, including Chicago, Kansas City, Memphis, Tenn., and Shreveport, La.

With a strong portfolio of rail services from East Coast ports, NS serves vessels sailing to and from Europe, the Far East, and South America and provides service excellence to ocean carriers. With a tradition of strong partnerships with all major East Coast container ports, NS works to continuously improve the process of transferring containers between ship and rail.

On-dock rail is offered at the ports of Savannah, Ga., Norfolk, New York, and Jacksonville, Fla. On-dock facilities offer reduced drayage cost and more efficient transportation for intermodal customers.

Recognizing the growth in Atlantic port services over the last several years, NS also serves near-dock facilities at Baltimore, Charleston, S.C., and Miami.