A Shipper’s Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Dimensional Load

Complete the clearance request form and attach it, along with a drawing of the lading, to an e-mail addressed to the NS Clearance Department at nsclearances@nscorp.com. Please also copy the appropriate marketing contact.
The Clearance Department will process the clearance request. Once an approval has been obtained,Marketing is then able to determine the appropriate rate.
As a shipper, you can register for AccessNS and arranges for payment. For more information on how to become a registered user with AccessNS; please contact your Marketing representative. A shipper can either apply for credit with NS or arrange for pre-payment by wire transfer. Shipper must ensure that payment conditions are fulfilled prior to shipment.
The Shipper is responsible for locating a suitable siding for (un)loading from the rail car prior to shipment. Shipper shall contact NS Centralized Yard Operations at 800-898-4296 to request a track inspection from the local Track Supervisor and permission from the Trainmaster to handle the load. Shipper must also arrange for logistics of unloading at the siding prior to shipment, including site inspection for verification of crane and truck access, DOT permits to move load to final site, execution of a Temporary Siding Lease Agreement for Hi-Wide loads, and providing a valid Certificate of Insurance to NS Risk Management.
Norfolk Southern Certificate of Insurance requirements
1. A Certificate of Liability Insurance that evidences combined single limit minimum of $2,000,000 per occurrence of general liability (note this may be achieved via an excess or umbrella policy),
2. $1,000,000 combined single limit of auto liability (note this may be achieved via an excess or umbrella policy),
3. Statutory limits on workers’ compensation insurance,
4. The Certificate of Liability Insurance should name Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Three Commercial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510-2191 as the certificate holder,
5. The Certificate of Liability Insurance should name the certificate holder as an additional insured on the general and automobile liability policy,
6. The Certificate of Liability Insurance must evidence that contractual liability coverage is provided for operations performed within 50 feet of any railroad hazard. This is typically found as an endorsement to the general liability policy under ISO CG 24 17 10 01 or its equivalent. (Sample wording: contractual liability insurance is of a form that does not deny coverage within 50 feet of any railroad hazard).
  This documentation must be sent to electronically to scott.dickerson@nscorp.com.
  
  A temporary track lease document may be necessary in the case the shipper is loading or unloading on Norfolk Southern property. These temporary track leases can be obtained from your Marketing contact. A temporary track lease can be obtained with a valid certificate of insurance that is accepted by Norfolk Southern Risk Management. Temporary track leases are only valid for 30 days and cannot be obtained more than 30 days from the shipments arrival on the NS system whether it be at origin or interchange.
If clearance file is issued, shipper orders a standard flat car from AccessNS or a heavy-duty flat car. Heavy-duty flat cars need to be ordered directly from the Clearance Bureau. A shipper may order a heavy duty flatcar by filling out the order form and submitting it to nsclearances@nscorp.com Please allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for heavy-duty flat cars based on car supply availability. Car condition is not guaranteed.
The shipper is responsible for the arrangement of loading and securement of flat car. If you are unfamiliar with laoding rail flatcars, Marketing can provide contact information for riggers familiar with the AAR Open Top Loading Rules. Damage Prevention and Freight Claims (DPFC) personnel work with shippers to ensure proper loading, blocking and bracing. To help in damage prevention, they may conduct impact tests, special studies and over-the road tests. DPFC can be contacted at (800) 742-6313 or damageprev@nscorp.com
As a shipper, you must completes the Internet Bill of Lading (IBOL) on AccessNS. Please be sure to indicate that this shipment is dimensional/high and wide on the IBOL. Origin, destination and routing must match the pre-approved clearance route. It is imperative that dimensional loads are not billed until clearances are accepted by NS Clearances. If you are not a registered user of AccessNS; you may fax the Bill of Lading to AOC at (800) 580-6092. Safety is of utmost importance and billing prior to an approved inspection can result in NS crews pulling an improperly secured load. The shipper shall be responsible for ensuring load is accepted prior to billing for movement.
Once the car is loaded, shipper must contact NS Centralized Yard Operations at 800-898-4296 to request a mechanical inspection. Ask for the representative who covers the geographic area where the shipment is being loaded. Mechanical inspection and finalized measurements are submitted to NS Clearances. If the finalized measurements are within dimensions previously approved by NS Clearances for this route, the dimensional load may be approved for forwarding. NS clearance files are valid for six months from date of issue.
With AccessNS, the shipper can trace his/her cars across the network. Norfolk Southern now offers a ‘Text Alert’ feature with AccessNS! A Railcar Event Alert allows you to be notified via a text message on your cell phone whenever a defined event occurs.

Who do I call after my car is moving?
Once a car is in transit; the NS Customer Service Dimensional contact is available M-F from 7am to 4pm and can help with any questions you have on your shipment. Contact information is:

Valerie Sconiers
(404) 529-1142
valerie.sconiers@nscorp.com
Railcars must be unloaded and released back to the railroad within 48 hours of placement to avoid demurrage and detention charges. The national tariff which underlines these charges is available through North America Railroad Professional Services (RIC 6740-G) Additional siding lease payments may apply after initial free days expire. Refer to your specific Temporary Siding Track Lease Agreement for Hi-Wide loads where applicable.