Welcome to the Norfolk Southern Distribution Network

Norfolk Southern’s Distribution Services group combines industry leading expertise and strategic partnerships to deliver supply chain solutions that provide efficiencies and savings to its customers. We have NS branded facilities located in key strategic areas across the NS rail network. We can assist in providing door-to-door solutions for all products while ensuring the safety and integrity of your product. By understanding your business and utilizing our comprehensive network, we can design a supply chain solution to fit your needs. Give us a call today.

Bulk Facilities

Rail-truck transfer facilities marketed by Norfolk Southern are subdivided into three classifications:

Thoroughbred Bulk Terminals - these terminals are NS owned and managed top quality rail-to-truck and truck-to-rail transfer facilities – the best in the industry! These terminals are licensed to and operated by independent contractors who are experts in bulk transfer and distribution. Most of these facilities have the following features: open to qualified third party truckers, paved, designed to control runoff and protect the environment, on-site personnel to meet customer needs, an office with the appropriate telecommunications devices, inventory management support, security – fenced and lighted, on-site truck scale, equipped with latest transfer machinery, and truck wash.

Independent Bulk Terminals – Each of these transfer terminals offers many of the features that are common to the Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer terminals, but do not adhere to the requirements of the TBT network. These are independent companies, generally operating on private property and receiving rail service from Norfolk Southern; however, individual operators determine what business will be handled in the terminal.

Terminals on Connecting Railroads – These terminals offer many top-quality bulk transfer features and are located on Norfolk Southern short-line connections.

We plan to open additional facilities. If you require bulk transfer service at a location not listed on our web site, please contact us. We may be able to meet your needs at one of the planned facilities.

General Warehouses

Norfolk Southern has access to over 400 general warehouses capable of handling distribution for a wide range of products. While each facility has unique experience and capabilities, most general warehouses include: Inside storage for cross dock or warehousing requirements, outside unloading and storage capabilities, various types of unloading equipment, available value added services such as shrink wrap, custom labeling, sub assembly and sequencing, easy access for truck pickup and delivery, and inventory management tools for product level tracking.

Food Grade Warehouses

Norfolk Southern has access to a network of food-grade warehouses capable of handling distribution for a wide range of products. While each facility has unique experience and capabilities, these food-grade warehouses have the ability to handle dry goods, and several offer fresh food and refrigerated services as well.

These facilities also offer the full suite of logistics capabilities, including product level inventory management and truckload delivery. Norfolk Southern works with these companies to meet your distribution requirements in a safe, efficient manner that ensures the quality of your product until final delivery.

Paper Distribution Centers

Norfolk Southern has access to paper markets through its network paper distribution centers. We partner with our paper distribution facilities to combine the economics of rail with the convenience of just in time deliveries for both non-rail served customers and those interested in forward positioning of their inventories.

Steel Distribution Facilities

Steel Distribution Facilities are best suited for handling steel and metal products. Many of our facilities offer heavy duty overhead cranes, loading, unloading, storage, and access to trucking for flexible delivery capabilities.

Independent Lumber Transloads

Each of these Lumber Transloads are strategically located near major consuming markets. These facilities are managed by the best, most experienced operators in the business, offer top quality equipment, and provide efficient truck pickup and delivery.