Our Network Operations Center (NOC) help ensure that our trains are on time and operating safely. Located at the center of our 650 West Peachtree headquarters in midtown Atlanta, more than 300 employees, spanning three shifts, work 24-7. Teams include Train Operations, a Locomotive Desk, Crew Management Center, Positive Train Control Help Desk, Wayside Help Desk, Transportation Operations, and Network Control Desks.

With these teams seated next to each, close collaboration and information sharing come naturally. This means that logistical challenges can be addressed in real time, all to ensure our trains are safely serving our customers. Our NOC teams think quickly and have a strong sense of timing. Their work requires flexibility and a strong attention to detail.

Meet 7 of our night shift NOC employees who help ensure our trains reach their intended destination on time: 

Bart Arther
Dispatcher
Joined NS in 2019

How your job supports our customers: As a dispatcher, I am at the front line of the operation. We oversee train movements to ensure that our freight reaches its destination safely.

Best part of the job: I like being as close as possible to our operations and to see our plans play out. I take satisfaction in contributing to our success and seeing our trains get from point A to point B in real time. 
 

Scott Bowman
Assistant Chief, Train Dispatcher
Joined NS in 2007

How your job supports our customers: I serve as the bridge between the dispatchers and upper management by making sure there are solid plans in place for things like crew availability. I coordinate and prioritize what needs to move and where. We flex our operation to meet priority movement customer needs. I also oversee the division in the absence of the Chief Train Dispatcher to ensure the division moves as efficiently as possible.

Best part of your job: I started at Norfolk Southern as a conductor, so I’ve worked with the operation from all sides. As Assistant Chief, I get to see how all the puzzle pieces of our operation fit together to keep things moving. I can say I’ve worked with great teams of railroaders over the years. It’s challenging, but definitely rewarding work when a plan comes together and we’re able to keep the steel wheels rolling.
 

Raymond Franklin
Road Foreman, Train Operating Practices
Joined NS in 1994

How your job supports our customers: At Train Operating Practices, we support every aspect of the NOC. When engineers have questions in the field, we provide information and clarification of the rules to ensure everyone is safe and complying with the rules. 

Best part of your job: The best part of my job is helping people troubleshoot a situation and come to a solid solution for the issue.
 

Stephanie Hawkins
Train Dispatcher
Joined NS in 2019

How your job supports our customers: I keep the freight moving by ensuring that our crew base is staffed to operate the train and support our customers. I am responsible for giving the trains signals and permission to move. I also help to keep our crews in the field safe, including maintenance of way and signal maintainers.

Best part of your job: Getting trains and crews to their destination and ensuring that everyone makes it home at the end of the day.
 

Eric MacMinn
Chief Train Dispatcher
Joined NS in 2010

How your job supports our customers: I oversee the Keystone Division and ensure the trains are running smoothly and getting to their destination. From there, the trains get broken down in the terminals and put on the local trains to service customers directly.

Best part of your job: I started off as a conductor and worked my way up to my current role. I’ve enjoyed each job I’ve had at Norfolk Southern. I like being hands on in the day-to-day operation and feeling like I am making a difference. I also feel I am contributing to Norfolk Southern’s success through the work I do. 

Matthew Sewell
Chief Dispatcher
Joined NS in 1998

How your job supports our customers: I assist with communication, coordination, and prioritization of our trains to make sure they are on time.

Best part of your job: I enjoy any opportunity to impart knowledge on our new dispatchers so they can be more effective in their roles. I also enjoy the feeling I get when I can react to unexpected situations with the right solution non-stop.

Carl Shivers
Crew Dispatcher
Joined NS in 2006

How your job supports our customers: I help fill gaps in staffing. I call our crew members when we have vacancies to ensure that our trains are properly staffed so that merchandise is delivered to our customers on time. I also maintain FRA records for rest breaks and start times to ensure compliance. I also help to maintain records for payroll. 

Best part of your job: I get satisfaction knowing that I’ve done the best I can do, even if I can’t fill a staff vacancy. I leave no stone unturned.