Schneider and Norfolk Southern Expand Freight Partnership

The companies are joining forces to boost intermodal freight capacity across their North American networks.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Transportation

Schneider and Norfolk Southern Expand Freight Partnership

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Schneider National and Norfolk Southern have formed a strategic partnership to meet rising customer demand for intermodal shipping solutions. The collaboration aims to convert traditional truckload shipments into more efficient intermodal rail transportation.

Why it matters

This partnership seeks to capture growing market interest in intermodal logistics by combining Schneider's extensive equipment fleet with Norfolk Southern's massive rail infrastructure. The initiative responds to a broader industry push to move freight from highways to rail networks.

Schneider National brings a fleet of 23,900 chassis and 26,800 containers to the partnership, with 90% of domestic dray moves handled by company drivers. Norfolk Southern supports the expansion through a network spanning 22 states.

The players

Schneider National

A premier provider of transportation and logistics services that leverages 35 years of intermodal expertise.

Norfolk Southern

A major freight railroad company operating an extensive 22-state intermodal network across the Eastern United States.

The details

The collaboration integrates Schneider's logistics assets and driver force with Norfolk Southern's rail infrastructure, which includes over 60 intermodal hubs across North America. To accommodate this increased capacity, Norfolk Southern is currently finalizing terminal expansions in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, and Illinois.

Norfolk Southern reported a 3% growth in intermodal volumes during the third quarter of 2026.
The partnership between the two companies was officially announced on October 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

This partnership reflects a significant trend of rail and trucking consolidation aimed at optimizing regional supply chains. By integrating their respective assets, both companies are positioning themselves to compete more aggressively against independent long-haul trucking providers.

Customers can expect increased availability and capacity for intermodal shipping options as the new infrastructure comes online. This shift potentially stabilizes logistics costs for businesses relying on long-distance freight movement.

The takeaway

Companies are increasingly favoring intermodal rail to reduce highway dependency and improve freight efficiency. Shippers should review their current logistics mix to see if transitioning to intermodal options can offer better cost savings and reliability.