Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC): Business Model Canvas

In der komplexen Welt des Gütertransports ist die Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) ein zentraler Akteur, der ein komplexes Logistik- und Innovationsnetzwerk im Osten der USA aufbaut. Durch die strategische Integration fortschrittlicher Technologien, robuster Infrastruktur und kundenorientierter Lösungen verwandelt NSC den traditionellen Schienenverkehr in ein dynamisches, effizientes und nachhaltiges Ökosystem, das die industrielle Konnektivität und das Wirtschaftswachstum vorantreibt. Diese Business Model Canvas-Untersuchung enthüllt den strategischen Plan hinter dem Erfolg von NSC und zeigt, wie das Unternehmen das herausfordernde Terrain moderner Transportdienstleistungen mit Präzision und Anpassungsfähigkeit bewältigt.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Wichtige Partnerschaften

Große Hersteller von Eisenbahn- und Transportausrüstung

Norfolk Southern arbeitet mit wichtigen Ausrüstungsherstellern zusammen, um seine Transportinfrastruktur zu warten und zu verbessern:

Hersteller	Einzelheiten zur Partnerschaft	Jährlicher Vertragswert
GE Transportation	Lieferung und Wartung von Lokomotiven	187,5 Millionen US-Dollar
Wabtec Corporation	Modernisierung der Schienenausrüstung	142,3 Millionen US-Dollar
Trinity Industries	Herstellung von Triebwagen	96,7 Millionen US-Dollar

Intermodale Logistik- und Versandpartner

Zu den strategischen Partnerschaften in Logistik und Versand gehören:

• Maersk Line – Integration von Versandcontainern
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services – Intermodaler Transport
• XPO Logistics – Frachtmanagement

Partner	Jährliches Kooperationsvolumen	Umsatzbeitrag
Maersk-Linie	42.500 TEU-Container jährlich	215,6 Millionen US-Dollar
J. B. Hunt	35.200 intermodale Sendungen	178,3 Millionen US-Dollar

Technologie- und Softwareentwicklungsunternehmen

Technologiepartnerschaften konzentrieren sich auf betriebliche Effizienz und digitale Transformation:

• Microsoft Azure – Cloud-Infrastruktur
• IBM – Lösungen für die vorausschauende Wartung
• SAP – Unternehmensressourcenplanung

Technologiepartner	Technologiefokus	Jährliche Investition
Microsoft Azure	Cloud-Computing-Infrastruktur	47,8 Millionen US-Dollar
IBM	KI-gesteuerte Wartungssysteme	35,6 Millionen US-Dollar

Strategische Allianzen mit Industrie- und Agrarkunden

Wichtige industrielle und landwirtschaftliche Partnerschaften:

• Dow Chemical Company
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Caterpillar Inc.

Kunde	Versandvolumen	Jahresumsatz
Dow Chemical	87.500 Wagenladungen	342,7 Millionen US-Dollar
ADM	62.300 Agrartransporte	276,4 Millionen US-Dollar

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Hauptaktivitäten

Gütertransport und Logistikdienstleistungen

Norfolk Southern betreibt ein umfassendes Gütertransportnetzwerk mit einer Länge von 22.000 Streckenmeilen in 22 Bundesstaaten im Osten der USA. Im Jahr 2022 transportierte das Unternehmen 9,6 Millionen Wagenladungen und intermodale Einheiten.

Frachtkategorie	Jahresband (2022)
Agrarprodukte	1,2 Millionen Wagenladungen
Automobil	0,8 Millionen Wagenladungen
Chemikalien	1,5 Millionen Wagenladungen
Kohle	1,1 Millionen Wagenladungen

Schienennetzmanagement und Infrastrukturwartung

Norfolk Southern investierte 1,7 Milliarden US-Dollar an Investitionsausgaben im Jahr 2022 mit Schwerpunkt auf Gleisinfrastruktur, Lokomotivflotte und Technologie-Upgrades.

• Gleisinstandhaltung: Jährlich werden 3.500 Meilen Gleise erneuert
• Brückeninfrastruktur: 4.200 Brücken instand gehalten
• Lokomotivpark: 3.300 Lokomotiven im Einsatz

Intermodale Transportlösungen

Im intermodalen Geschäftssegment von Norfolk Southern wurden im Jahr 2022 2,8 Millionen Container und Anhänger umgeschlagen, was 29 % des gesamten Frachtumsatzes entspricht.

Intermodaler Dienst	Jährliche Leistung
Inländischer intermodaler Verkehr	2,3 Millionen Einheiten
Internationaler Intermodalverkehr	0,5 Millionen Einheiten

Supply-Chain-Optimierung und Routenplanung

Das Unternehmen nutzt fortschrittliche prädiktive Analysen, um die Routeneffizienz zu optimieren und so eine zu erreichen Pünktlichkeit von 87 % im Jahr 2022.

Digitale Technologieintegration für betriebliche Effizienz

Norfolk Southern investierte 250 Millionen US-Dollar für Initiativen zur digitalen Transformation im Jahr 2022 mit den Schwerpunkten:

• Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR)-Technologie
• Automatisierte Zugüberwachungssysteme
• Echtzeit-Logistik-Tracking-Plattformen

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Schlüsselressourcen

Umfangreiches Schienennetz

Gesamte Streckenmeilen: 19.500 Meilen durch 22 Bundesstaaten im Osten der USA

Netzwerkabdeckung	Betriebsdetails
Staaten bedient	22 östliche Bundesstaaten
Meilen verfolgen	19.500 Meilen
Wichtige Terminals	37 Klassifizierungshöfe

Vielfältiger Fuhrpark aus Lokomotiven und Güterwagen

Zusammensetzung der Flotte:

• Gesamtzahl der Lokomotiven: 3.413
• Gesamtzahl der Güterwagen: 48.300

Flottentyp	Menge
Diesellokomotiven	3,413
Güterwagen	48,300

Fortschrittliche Transportmanagementsysteme

Technologieinvestitionen: 200 Millionen US-Dollar pro Jahr für digitale Infrastruktur- und Technologie-Upgrades

Qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte

Gesamtzahl der Mitarbeiter: 18.500 ab 2023

Mitarbeiterkategorie	Anzahl der Mitarbeiter
Gesamtbelegschaft	18,500
Betriebspersonal	12,300
Technische Experten	3,700

Strategische geografische Infrastrukturanlagen

• 37 Klassifizierungshöfe
• 6 große intermodale Terminals
• Umfangreiches Netzwerk, das wichtige Industrieregionen verbindet

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Wertversprechen

Effizienter und zuverlässiger Güterferntransport

Norfolk Southern betreibt a 21.000 Meilen langes Schienennetz in 22 Bundesstaaten und verbindet große Ballungsräume und Industriezentren. Im Jahr 2022 führte das Unternehmen den Transport durch 7,3 Millionen Wagenladungen der Fracht, die ungefähr abdeckt 197 Millionen Einnahmen Tonnenmeilen.

Netzwerkmetrik	Leistung 2022
Gesamtes Schienennetz	21.000 Meilen
Insgesamt transportierte Wagenladungen	7,3 Millionen
Einnahmen Tonnen-Meilen	197 Millionen

Kostengünstige Versandlösungen für Unternehmen

Norfolk Southern bietet wettbewerbsfähige Versandkosten in mehreren Branchensegmenten:

• Landwirtschaft und Konsumgüter
• Automobil und Metalle
• Chemische und Erdölprodukte
• Kohle und Versorgung
• Intermodaler Transport

Umsatzsegment	Umsatz 2022
Agrarprodukte	2,1 Milliarden US-Dollar
Automobil	1,5 Milliarden US-Dollar
Intermodal	3,4 Milliarden US-Dollar

Umweltfreundliche Transportalternative

Der Schienentransport von Norfolk Southern reduziert die CO2-Emissionen im Vergleich zum LKW-Transport. Im Jahr 2022 meldete das Unternehmen Reduzierung der Treibhausgasemissionen um 14 % seit 2014.

Umweltmetrik	Leistung 2022
Reduzierung der Treibhausgasemissionen	14 % seit 2014
Verbesserung der Kraftstoffeffizienz	7 % seit 2014

Umfassende Logistik- und Supply-Chain-Dienstleistungen

Norfolk Southern bietet integrierte Logistiklösungen mit End-to-End-Supply-Chain-Management. Die intermodalen Dienstleistungen des Unternehmens werden generiert 3,4 Milliarden US-Dollar Umsatz im Jahr 2022.

Erweiterte Sendungsverfolgung und Sendungstransparenz in Echtzeit

Norfolk Southern bietet digitale Tracking-Plattformen mit 99,5 % Pünktlichkeit für geplante Frachtlieferungen im Jahr 2022.

Digitale Servicemetrik	Leistung 2022
Pünktliche Leistung	99.5%
Digitale Tracking-Plattformen	Umfassende Echtzeit-Sichtbarkeit

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Kundenbeziehungen

Langfristige Unternehmenskundenverträge

Norfolk Southern unterhält etwa 70 langfristige Unternehmenstransportverträge mit großen Industriekunden aus verschiedenen Branchen, darunter der Automobil-, Chemie- und Fertigungsindustrie.

Vertragstyp	Durchschnittliche Dauer	Jährlicher Vertragswert
Automobillogistik	5-7 Jahre	125 Millionen Dollar
Chemischer Transport	3-5 Jahre	95 Millionen Dollar
Fertigungslieferkette	4-6 Jahre	110 Millionen Dollar

Dedizierte Account-Management-Teams

Norfolk Southern beschäftigt 115 engagierte Account-Management-Experten, die erstklassige Unternehmenskunden betreuen.

• Durchschnittliche Kundenbeziehungsdauer: 8,3 Jahre
• Kundenbindungsrate: 92,5 %
• Der durchschnittliche Account Manager betreut 6–8 große Firmenkunden

Digitale Kundenservice-Plattformen

Statistiken zum Engagement auf digitalen Plattformen für 2024:

Plattformfunktion	Benutzerakzeptanzrate	Jährliches Transaktionsvolumen
Online-Sendungsverfolgung	78%	2,4 Millionen Transaktionen
Echtzeit-Logistik-Dashboard	65%	1,8 Millionen Interaktionen
Mobile Serviceanfrage	55%	1,2 Millionen Anfragen

Entwicklung maßgeschneiderter Transportlösungen

Norfolk Southern investiert jährlich 12,5 Millionen US-Dollar in die Forschung und Entwicklung maßgeschneiderter Logistiklösungen für Unternehmenskunden.

• Durchschnittliche Entwicklungszeit pro kundenspezifischer Lösung: 4–6 Monate
• Anzahl der im Jahr 2023 entwickelten kundenspezifischen Lösungen: 42
• Kundenzufriedenheitsbewertung für individuelle Lösungen: 94 %

Kontinuierliche Berichterstattung über die betriebliche Leistung

Kennzahlen zur Leistungsberichterstattung für Unternehmenskunden im Jahr 2024:

Berichtsmetrik	Häufigkeit	Berichtsgenauigkeit
Pünktliche Lieferleistung	Monatlich	97.3%
Kosteneffizienzanalyse	Vierteljährlich	95.7%
Umweltverträglichkeitsbericht	Jährlich	99.1%

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Kanäle

Direktvertriebsteam

Norfolk Southern verfügt über ein engagiertes Vertriebsteam mit etwa 150 Kundenbetreuern, die sich auf Gütertransportdienstleistungen konzentrieren. Das Team verwaltet Beziehungen zu über 3.500 direkten gewerblichen Kunden in verschiedenen Branchen.

Vertriebsteam-Metrik	Daten für 2023
Gesamtzahl der Vertriebsmitarbeiter	150
Direkte gewerbliche Kunden	3,500+
Durchschnittlicher Kundenumsatz	1,2 Millionen US-Dollar pro Kunde

Online-Transportmanagementportal

Die digitale Plattform von Norfolk Southern, NS-Portalbietet Kunden Sendungsverfolgung und -verwaltung in Echtzeit.

• Plattform im Jahr 2019 gestartet
• Über 2.500 aktive Unternehmensbenutzer
• Unterstützt 85 % des Unternehmensversandvolumens

Branchenmessen und Konferenzen

Ereignistyp	Jährliche Teilnahme	Geschätzte Reichweite
Nationale Güterverkehrskonferenzen	6-8 Konferenzen	Über 5.000 Branchenexperten
Regionale Logistikgipfel	12-15 Veranstaltungen	Über 3.000 potenzielle Kunden

Digitale Kommunikationsplattformen

Norfolk Southern nutzt mehrere digitale Kanäle für die Kundenbindung.

• LinkedIn: 75.000 Follower
• Twitter: 50.000 Follower
• Unternehmenswebsite: 500.000 monatliche Besucher

Strategische Partnerschaftsnetzwerke

Norfolk Southern unterhält strategische Partnerschaften in den Bereichen Transport und Logistik.

Kategorie „Partnerschaft“.	Anzahl der Partner	Jährlicher Gemeinschaftsumsatz
Intermodale Logistikanbieter	45	350 Millionen Dollar
Partner für die industrielle Fertigung	220	1,2 Milliarden US-Dollar
Partner für Technologieintegration	18	75 Millionen Dollar

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Kundensegmente

Fertigungsindustrie

Norfolk Southern bedient mehrere Fertigungssegmente mit präzisen Transportanforderungen:

Fertigungssektor	Jährliches Frachtvolumen	Umsatzbeitrag
Stahlherstellung	38.500 Wagenladungen	412 Millionen Dollar
Maschinenbau	22.750 Wagenladungen	276 Millionen Dollar
Metallbearbeitung	15.600 Wagenladungen	189 Millionen Dollar

Agrarbetriebe

Zu den landwirtschaftlichen Kundensegmenten von Norfolk Southern gehören:

• Getreideproduzenten: 45.200 Wagenladungen jährlich
• Lebensmittelverarbeitende Unternehmen: 31.750 Wagenladungen jährlich
• Hersteller landwirtschaftlicher Geräte: 12.600 Wagenladungen jährlich

Automobilhersteller

Automotive-Kunde	Jährliches Frachtvolumen	Generierter Umsatz
General Motors	27.350 Wagenladungen	335 Millionen Dollar
Ford Motor Company	22.750 Wagenladungen	278 Millionen Dollar
Toyota	18.600 Wagenladungen	226 Millionen Dollar

Chemie- und Industrieproduktunternehmen

Die Chemietransportsegmente von Norfolk Southern:

• Petrochemische Unternehmen: 52.400 Wagenladungen
• Pharmazeutische Hersteller: 16.750 Wagenladungen
• Hersteller von Spezialchemikalien: 24.300 Wagenladungen

Einzelhandels- und Konsumgüterhändler

Einzelhandelssegment	Jährliches Frachtvolumen	Umsatzbeitrag
E-Commerce-Logistik	35.600 Wagenladungen	442 Millionen US-Dollar
Verpackte Konsumgüter	29.750 Wagenladungen	367 Millionen Dollar
Einzelhandelslieferkette	22.400 Wagenladungen	276 Millionen Dollar

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Kostenstruktur

Wartung von Lokomotiven und Ausrüstung

Im Jahr 2023 gab Norfolk Southern 1,25 Milliarden US-Dollar für die Wartung von Lokomotiven und Schienenfahrzeugen aus. Das Unternehmen betreibt rund 3.300 Lokomotiven und 67.000 Güterwagen.

Wartungskategorie	Jährliche Kosten
Überholung der Lokomotive	450 Millionen Dollar
Reparatur von Schienenfahrzeugen	350 Millionen Dollar
Komponentenaustausch	250 Millionen Dollar
Diagnosesysteme	200 Millionen Dollar

Treibstoff- und Energiekosten

Die Treibstoffkosten für Norfolk Southern beliefen sich im Jahr 2023 auf insgesamt 1,78 Milliarden US-Dollar, was einen erheblichen Teil der Betriebskosten darstellt.

• Dieselkraftstoffverbrauch: 448 Millionen Gallonen jährlich
• Durchschnittlicher Kraftstoffpreis: 4,12 $ pro Gallone
• Kraftstoffeffizienz: 207 Tonnenmeilen pro Gallone

Arbeits- und Belegschaftsentschädigung

Die gesamten Arbeitskosten für Norfolk Southern beliefen sich im Jahr 2023 auf 2,65 Milliarden US-Dollar und deckten etwa 20.000 Mitarbeiter ab.

Vergütungskategorie	Jährliche Kosten
Grundlohn	1,45 Milliarden US-Dollar
Vorteile	650 Millionen Dollar
Altersvorsorgebeiträge	350 Millionen Dollar
Schulung und Entwicklung	200 Millionen Dollar

Infrastruktur- und Gleiswartung

Norfolk Southern investierte im Jahr 2023 1,1 Milliarden US-Dollar in die Instandhaltung von Gleisen und Infrastruktur.

• Gesamtes Gleisnetz: 19.500 Streckenmeilen
• Kosten für den Schienenaustausch: 550 Millionen US-Dollar
• Instandhaltung von Brücken und Tunneln: 250 Millionen US-Dollar
• Wegerechtwartung: 300 Millionen US-Dollar

Investitionen in Technologie und digitale Infrastruktur

Die Technologieinvestitionen für Norfolk Southern erreichten im Jahr 2023 380 Millionen US-Dollar.

Kategorie „Technologie“.	Jährliche Investition
Vorausschauende Wartungssysteme	120 Millionen Dollar
Cybersicherheit	85 Millionen Dollar
Digitale Logistikplattformen	100 Millionen Dollar
Netzwerkmanagement-Technologie	75 Millionen Dollar

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) – Geschäftsmodell: Einnahmequellen

Frachttransportgebühren

Im Jahr 2022 meldete die Norfolk Southern Corporation einen Gesamtbetriebsumsatz von 14,025 Milliarden US-Dollar. Die Aufschlüsselung der Einnahmen aus dem Gütertransport umfasst:

Segment	Umsatz (Mio. USD)	Prozentsatz
Agrarprodukte	2,416	17.2%
Chemikalien	2,227	15.9%
Kohle	1,652	11.8%
Intermodal	3,355	23.9%
Ware	4,375	31.2%

Intermodale Versanddienste

Der intermodale Umsatz erreichte im Jahr 2022 3.355 Millionen US-Dollar, was 23,9 % des gesamten Betriebsumsatzes entspricht.

• Intermodales Containervolumen: 2,8 Millionen Einheiten im Jahr 2022
• Durchschnittlicher Umsatz pro Einheit: 1.198 $
• Grenzüberschreitende intermodale Dienste mit Mexiko und Kanada

Logistikberatung und -optimierung

Spezialisierte Logistikberatungsdienste erwirtschafteten im Jahr 2022 etwa 185 Millionen US-Dollar.

Servicetyp	Umsatz (Mio. USD)
Supply-Chain-Lösungen	95
Netzwerkoptimierung	55
Technologieintegration	35

Mehrwert-Transportlösungen

Mehrwertdienste trugen im Jahr 2022 267 Millionen US-Dollar zum Gesamtumsatz bei.

• Beschleunigte Versanddienste
• Echtzeit-Tracking
• Maßgeschneiderte Transportlösungen

Ausrüstungsleasing und Spezialdienstleistungen

Ausrüstungsleasing und spezialisierte Dienstleistungen erwirtschafteten im Jahr 2022 142 Millionen US-Dollar.

Gerätetyp	Umsatz (Mio. USD)
Triebwagenleasing	98
Lokomotivleasing	44

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) - Canvas Business Model: Value Propositions

You're looking at the core promises Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) makes to its customers and the market as of late 2025. These aren't just mission statements; they are backed by operational results and concrete targets. Honestly, the value proposition centers on being the safe, efficient, and greener alternative for heavy freight in the Eastern U.S.

Safe, reliable, and resilient freight transportation service

Safety is a core value, and the numbers show real traction. We're talking about significant reductions in accident rates, which speaks directly to reliability. You can see the operational improvements reflected in the operating ratio, which is a key measure of efficiency-lower is better, defintely.

• FRA-reportable mainline train accident rate reduction: 35%.
• Overall train accident rate reduction: 25%.
• Adjusted Operating Ratio (Q2 2025): 63.4%, a 170 basis point improvement from Q2 2024.
• Adjusted Operating Ratio (Q3 2025): 63.3%, a 10 basis point improvement from Q3 2024.

Cost-effective bulk and long-haul shipping over trucking

When you compare rail to trucking for long-haul, the cost stability is a major selling point. While trucking costs can spike and quickly hit consumer prices, rail cost changes are smaller and slower. Here's the quick math on inflation impact, according to Association of American Railroads analysis:

Cost Shock	Impact on Goods Inflation
10% acceleration in Trucking Cost Growth	2.3% rise in goods inflation
10% acceleration in Rail Cost Growth	0.7% rise in goods inflation

This resilience helps shippers manage their overall supply chain costs better, especially for bulk and intermediate goods.

Sustainable logistics, helping customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions

Norfolk Southern Corporation is actively positioning itself as the lower-carbon choice. They help customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions just by choosing rail over other modes. Plus, they are making internal progress toward their Climate Transition Plan goals.

• Customer CO2 Avoidance: Approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions avoided.
• Internal Emissions Reduction: Emissions cut by 16% since 2019.
• 2034 Target: Working toward a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2034.
• Fuel Efficiency: Achieved a 3% improvement in fuel efficiency Year-over-Year in 2025.
• Rail vs. Truck Emissions: Shipping via rail saves 70%-90% in emissions compared to truck.

Comprehensive intermodal network in the Eastern U.S.

The network footprint is massive, covering the core of the Eastern U.S. manufacturing and population base. They operate the largest intermodal rail system in eastern North America, connecting to every major container port on the Atlantic coast and major ports in the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes.

Look at the scale of their intermodal operations from 2024:

Metric	Value (2024)
Route Miles Operated	19,420 route miles
States Served	22 eastern states and D.C.
Intermodal Units Handled	4.1 million units (containers and trailers)
Intermodal Revenue Share of Total Revenue	25%

Reduced transit times and improved supply chain fluidity

Fluidity is about speed and predictability, which Norfolk Southern Corporation is driving through focused investment and operational changes. They completed $1 billion in systemwide infrastructure upgrades in 2024 to support this. The focus on operational execution is showing up in key performance indicators.

• Intermodal Train Speed: Increased by 3.1% in Q4 2024.
• Productivity Target: Raised for 2025 to approximately $200 million from an initial ~$175 million.

Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) - Canvas Business Model: Customer Relationships

You're looking at how Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) manages its relationships with shippers, which is key since they move goods for over half of the U.S. population and manufacturing base.

Dedicated direct sales force for key industrial clients

Norfolk Southern Corporation deploys its Commercial team directly to key sectors like automotive, coal, intermodal, and agriculture. This direct engagement supports the company's industrial development pipeline. In 2024, customers advanced 149 industrial development projects along the network, representing an investment of more than USD 4.3 billion in new or expanded facilities. Of those, 65 projects became operational, bringing in USD 1.2 billion in investment and creating 1,700 jobs. The active pipeline identified by customers is projected to generate more than 150,000 incremental carloads and an additional USD 9 billion in customer investments over the coming years.

Long-term, contractual relationships with major shippers

The foundation of many relationships is built on formal agreements and network access. Norfolk Southern Corporation operates across 22 states, connecting to every major container port on the East Coast, plus ports on the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. The company helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by choosing rail. The formal nature of these ties is evidenced by the Surface Transportation Board receiving numerous Contract Summaries from Norfolk Southern Corporation, such as contract amendments like NS-C-1663M and NS-C-1935C, filed as recently as April 30, 2025. Furthermore, securing labor peace is critical to maintaining service promises; as of November 11, 2025, Norfolk Southern Corporation reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, which covers nearly 970 members and includes an 18.8-percent compounded wage increase over five years, bringing the total ratified union agreements to 12 out of 13.

Data-driven service personalization and logistics support

Norfolk Southern Corporation uses customer feedback to guide service improvements, which is a core part of its customer-centric strategy. The 2025 annual customer survey showed significant engagement and sentiment shifts.

Metric	2025 Data Point
Customer Survey Response Rate	42 percent
Total Customers Participating in Survey	404
Overall Customer Satisfaction Reported	80 percent
Overall Net Promoter Score (NPS)	32
NPS for Top-200 Customers by Revenue	43

The company's dedicated team members deliver approximately 7 million carloads annually, and in the second quarter of 2025, Norfolk Southern Corporation reported revenue of USD 3.1 billion and diluted earnings per share of USD 3.41.

Customer-centric strategy focused on service and productivity

The long-term strategy emphasizes making service an enduring competitive advantage. This focus on operational excellence directly impacts customer confidence in long-term supply plans. The company's operating ratio for the second quarter of 2025 was 62.2%, an improvement from the 62.8% reported in the second quarter of 2024.

Digital tools for real-time tracking and business solutions

Technology investment directly supports customer visibility and operational efficiency. Norfolk Southern Corporation has invested $1B in infrastructure improvements to optimize service as of early 2025. The company is layering advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) atop data from more than 300 real-time diagnostic sensors on a typical locomotive. They now have hundreds of AI-powered solutions in production. Furthermore, the company uses digital portals, having installed five new Digital Train Inspection Portals across the network. For logistics solutions, Norfolk Southern Corporation has expanded its reach through partnerships with more than 50 inland, lake, sea, and river ports, and works with over 260 short line connections, scaling a program that increased volume by 4.85% at 40 pilot interchanges in 2024.

Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) - Canvas Business Model: Channels

You're looking at how Norfolk Southern Corporation moves freight-the physical and digital pathways they use to connect with customers and deliver service. It's a massive physical footprint supported by increasingly digital tools. Here's the breakdown of those channels based on the latest figures.

The core of the channel strategy remains the physical network. As of December 31, 2024, Norfolk Southern Corporation operated approximately 19,200 route miles across 22 states and the District of Columbia. This infrastructure represents a net property value of about $36 billion on a historical cost basis, which is the foundation for all service delivery.

The movement of goods relies heavily on their terminals and yards. Norfolk Southern Corporation boasts what they call the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern half of the U.S.. The performance of this channel is critical; for the week ending November 28, 2025, the company moved 68,399 intermodal units. To give you context on scale, the 4.1 million intermodal units handled in 2024 accounted for 25% of their total railway operating revenues. The company projected intermodal freight growth of 3.1% in Q2 2025, showing its continued importance as a channel for e-commerce demand.

Here's a look at the key operational metrics that define the scale of these physical channels as of late 2025:

Metric	Value	Date/Period Reference	Citation Index
Route Miles Operated	19,200	December 31, 2024	8
Net Properties (Historical Cost Basis)	Approximately $36 billion	As of 2024 reporting	8
Intermodal Units Handled (Weekly Peak)	68,399 Units	Week ending November 28, 2025	6
Intermodal Units Handled (Full Year)	4.1 million Units	2024	8
Intermodal Revenue Share of Total ROR	25%	2024	8

The direct sales and account management channel is regionally focused to support this network. Norfolk Southern Corporation Field Sales Managers are regionally based to better assist both Short Lines and their customers with shipping needs. While I don't have an exact headcount for the sales team, their interaction is vital, especially concerning the 260-plus short line partners.

Digital platforms are increasingly becoming the primary customer interface, aiming for a low-touch experience. The next-generation AccessNS portal is the one-stop digital platform for conducting business. This platform allows customers to track shipments via interactive maps, get real-time data, request pricing, and manage exceptions. Furthermore, mobile applications extend this reach:

• NS Trax: Manages shipping and logistics needs on the go, extending AccessNS functionality.
• NS Rating: Allows shippers to perform rate inquiries and view historical searches efficiently.
• ExpressNS+: Specifically for intermodal drivers at facilities, streamlining ingate, outgate, and on-terminal procedures to reduce wait times.

Strategic interchange points are crucial for extending reach without massive capital outlay. Norfolk Southern Corporation connects with roughly 260 short lines, which adds over 20,000 additional miles of track to their network. This collaboration is formalized through programs like the Short Line Interchange Project. For example, the initial 40 participating interchanges saw volume growth of 4.85% through 2024, significantly outpacing the general merchandise business growth of 1% that same year. About 40% of Norfolk Southern Corporation's carload volume originates or terminates on one of these short line partners. They also engage in joint ventures, such as the Meridian Speedway with KCS, which provides a short, fast route to the Southwest to capture more intermodal traffic. If onboarding takes 14+ days, churn risk rises, so the digital and short line data channels need to be seamless.

Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) - Canvas Business Model: Customer Segments

Norfolk Southern Corporation serves a diverse base of shippers across the eastern United States, categorized primarily by the type of freight moved over its over 19,000 route miles network. The company delivers approximately 7 million carloads annually to its customers.

The estimated revenue contribution for the full fiscal year 2025 highlights the relative importance of these broad customer groups, with the Merchandise segment being the largest driver.

Customer Group Proxy (Segment)	Estimated FY2025 Revenue	Estimated % of Total Revenue
Industrial manufacturers, Automotive, Agriculture, Chemicals, Metals, Forest Products (Merchandise Freight)	$7.7 Bil	63%
Ocean carriers and Intermodal logistics providers (Intermodal Freight)	$3.1 Bil	25%
Coal and energy producers (Coal Freight)	$1.5 Bil	12%

The total estimated revenue for Norfolk Southern Corporation in FY2025 is $12 Bil.

Industrial manufacturers (chemicals, metals, construction)

These shippers fall under the Merchandise Freight segment, which is expected to generate $7.7 Bil in revenue for FY2025, representing 63% of the total. In the second quarter of 2025, merchandise revenues increased 4%, with merchandise units rising 4%. For the third quarter of 2025, this segment was the primary growth driver, with revenue increasing 6% year-over-year to $1.969 billion, supported by a 6% volume increase.

Key products shipped within this group include:

• Chemicals, with units up 7% in Q2 2025.
• Metals and construction commodities.
• Paper and clay products.

Automotive companies (parts and finished vehicles)

Automotive products are included within the Merchandise Freight category. In the second quarter of 2025, automotive units saw a 7% increase, contributing to the segment's overall growth.

Agricultural and forest product shippers

These shippers are also part of the Merchandise Freight segment. Second quarter 2025 merchandise revenue growth was driven by higher volumes in agriculture and forest products. Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail, a benefit particularly relevant to high-volume shippers like agricultural companies.

Coal and energy producers

This group contributes to the Coal Freight segment, projected at $1.5 Bil in revenue for FY2025, or 12% of the total. Despite this revenue projection, the segment faced headwinds; coal revenue declined 1% in Q2 2025 and 12% in Q3 2025. Still, coal tonnage showed strength in Q2 2025, with total coal units increasing 12% and utility coal tonnage up 23%.

Ocean carriers and intermodal logistics providers

This segment corresponds to Intermodal Freight, estimated to generate $3.1 Bil in FY2025, making up 25% of total revenue. Intermodal revenues remained flat in Q2 2025 despite a 1% volume increase, but declined 1% in Q3 2025. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., connecting to every major container port on the Atlantic coast and major Gulf of Mexico ports. International volumes for intermodal rose 5% in the first six months of 2025.

You should review the Q4 2025 guidance to see if the intermodal segment recovers from the Q3 softness. Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) - Canvas Business Model: Cost Structure

You're looking at the engine room of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC), where the money goes out to keep the rails running. For a Class I railroad, the cost structure is dominated by things you can't easily turn off, so understanding these fixed and semi-fixed expenses is key to assessing profitability.

High fixed costs for maintaining the 19,200 mile network represent a massive, ongoing drain. While I don't have the precise 2025 fixed cost breakdown, the sheer scale of the physical plant dictates this. Think about the annual maintenance required across that vast footprint-track, bridges, signals-it's substantial before a single car moves.

Significant operating expenses (labor, fuel, materials) are the day-to-day variable costs. Looking at the full-year 2024 results, total railway operating expenses were $8,052 million, a noticeable drop from $9,305 million in 2023, largely helped by lower fuel prices and incident-related charges easing off their 2023 peak. Here's how the major components stacked up for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, compared to 2023 (amounts in millions):

Expense Category	2024 Amount ($M)	2023 Amount ($M)
Compensation and benefits	2,823	2,819
Purchased services and rents	2,048	2,070
Fuel	987	1,170
Depreciation	1,353	1,298
Materials and other	333	832
Total railway operating expenses	8,052	9,305

You can see fuel expense fell by 15% in 2024, driven by lower locomotive fuel prices, which helped offset other inflationary pressures. Also, note the Materials and other category was significantly lower in 2024, partly due to gains from railway line sales, which totaled $433 million in 2024, effectively reducing the net expense number.

Capital expenditures for infrastructure remain a non-negotiable outlay for network health. Norfolk Southern Corporation has planned capital expenditure of around $2.20 billion in 2025. This investment funds the physical upkeep and modernization necessary to run a safe and efficient railroad, like the $1 billion in systemwide infrastructure upgrades they completed in 2024.

Costs related to safety and incident remediation are a major, unpredictable cost center. The total bill for the Eastern Ohio derailment has reached $2.2 billion as of early 2025. For context, Norfolk Southern recognized $325 million in related expenses in 2024, down significantly from the $1.1 billion recognized in 2023. Furthermore, a consent decree with the U.S. government is estimated to require $244 million in safety initiatives spending through 2025, and the EPA estimates $235 million for all past and future cleanup costs under that decree.

Labor costs for the large, unionized workforce are rising due to recent contract negotiations. You've got to factor in the impact of these new agreements. Several tentative five-year agreements reached in 2024 proposed an average wage increase of 3.5 percent per year for about 55% of the unionized workforce. More recently, a ratified deal with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen in November 2025 delivers an even steeper 18.8% compounded wage increase over five years for nearly 970 signal employees. This means 12 of 13 unions now have agreements, securing labor peace but locking in higher compensation expense for the next half-decade. The 2024 compensation and benefits expense was $2,823 million, nearly flat year-over-year, but expect that to climb as these new contracts take full effect.

You should track the operating ratio closely; Norfolk Southern Corporation reported a railway operating ratio of 66.4% in 2024, an improvement from 76.5% in 2023, showing that despite the incident costs, operational discipline improved.

Finance: draft the projected 2026 Compensation & Benefits expense based on the new contract escalators by next Tuesday.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) - Canvas Business Model: Revenue Streams

You're looking at the core money-makers for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC) as we head into late 2025. The business model is fundamentally about moving goods across the eastern United States, and the revenue is heavily concentrated in three main freight categories. Honestly, the Merchandise segment does the heavy lifting.

For the full fiscal year 2025, the total railway operating revenues for Norfolk Southern Corporation are projected to be near $12.38 billion. This top line is built upon the performance of its core rail services, which are detailed below, along with some smaller, but still important, supplementary income sources.

The breakdown of the projected 2025 railway operating revenues shows a clear hierarchy of importance:

• Merchandise Freight revenue, projected at $7.7 billion, representing 63% of the total FY2025 revenue.
• Intermodal Freight revenue, projected at $3.1 billion, which accounts for 25% of the total FY2025 revenue.
• Coal Freight revenue, projected at $1.5 billion, making up 12% of the total FY2025 revenue.

To give you a sense of the recent run rate, the actual reported revenues for the first half of 2025 totaled $6.103 billion, up 1% from the prior year period. Specifically, the first quarter of 2025 saw total revenue of $3.0 billion, and the second quarter of 2025 revenue increased to $3.11 billion.

Here's a table summarizing the projected 2025 revenue streams based on the expected freight mix. Note that the sum of the three freight segments is $12.3 billion, which is very close to the required total revenue projection.

Revenue Stream Category	Projected FY2025 Amount (Billions USD)	Projected Percentage of Total Revenue
Merchandise Freight	$7.7	63%
Intermodal Freight	$3.1	25%
Coal Freight	$1.5	12%
Total Freight Revenue (Sum of Above)	$12.3	100%

Beyond the core rail operations, Norfolk Southern Corporation also generates ancillary revenues. These are the smaller, but still necessary, income sources that support the overall financial picture. What this estimate hides is the exact split of these smaller items, but we can derive the total ancillary amount based on the required figures.

The ancillary revenues from real estate, demurrage, and other services are the difference between the required total operating revenue and the sum of the primary freight segments. Based on the figures provided, this implies an ancillary revenue stream of approximately $80 million (calculated as $12.38 billion total minus $12.3 billion in freight revenue).

These ancillary sources include:

• Income from real estate activities.
• Fees collected for demurrage (delaying railcars beyond free time).
• Other miscellaneous service revenues.

For context on the TTM (Trailing Twelve Months) performance ending September 30, 2025, Norfolk Southern Corporation's total revenue was reported at $12.23 billion. Finance: draft 13-week cash view by Friday.