In response to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Norfolk Southern is taking proactive steps to mitigate supply chain disruption and ensure uninterrupted service for our customers. Just this morning, Norfolk Southern successfully transported cargo from the first Baltimore vessel diverted to Lambert’s Point in Virginia.

“At Norfolk Southern, we understand the importance of rapid response, frequent communication, and innovative solutions during significant supply chain events,” said EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins. “Leveraging our extensive franchise footprint and strategic partnerships with ocean carriers, short line railroads, East Coast ports, and other transportation providers, we are providing our customers with a flexible, reliable service product that they can count on in this time of need.”

Here's how we're addressing the situation:

New dedicated Intermodal service: Norfolk Southern is launching a dedicated service to facilitate the flow of freight between the Elizabeth Marine Terminal at the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore. The service will start on April 5. We are already in discussions with Ports America to extend this service directly on-dock at their Seagirt Intermodal Container Transfer Facility. This expansion would benefit shippers close to Baltimore.

Customers looking to utilize this service can reach out to Norfolk Southern Marketing Manager Michelle Reed at michelle.reed@nscorp.com.

“Ports America is committed to deploying solutions that prioritize our customers’ needs,” added Rob Kusiciel, Chief Commercial Officer of Ports America. “Partnering with Norfolk Southern to manage the flow of cargo was a natural step for us to take in maintaining supply chain fluidity in the face of this crisis.”

Triple Crown Services, Inc.: Norfolk Southern’s Triple Crown Services, Inc. network will help facilitate the dedicated Intermodal service and work directly with cargo owners who need a door-to-door solution.

Frequent communication: We are in constant communication with affected international customers, port partners, and state officials to maintain the integrity of the global supply chain.

Regional collaboration: For example, Norfolk Southern is collaborating with the Port of Virginia, leveraging key service points like the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal, to serve regions further afield, such as Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, and Northern Virginia. 

Automotive: Norfolk Southern’s Baltimore facility is not impacted by this outage. However, we have implemented an embargo for automotive traffic destined for Dundalk Marine Terminal, and we are working with our automotive customers to develop solutions that fit their needs for importing and exporting automobiles while the embargo is in place. Most of these diversions are still maturing as our customers review options along the East Coast. For example, we are working with automotive manufacturers to develop rail solutions through alternate ports of entry in Georgia, Florida, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. 

Break bulk cargo: Norfolk Southern is assisting multiple customers with break bulk cargo that traditionally moves through the Port of Baltimore, including lumber, pulp, and roll-on/roll-off traffic. We are helping these customers move their inventory with alternative transportation solutions amidst port shifts and supplier changes. For example, our partners at Fairwinds Landing in Norfolk, Virginia are offering customers an alternative location to move break bulk cargo.

Coal: We are continuing to work with shippers to utilize alternate river and East Coast port transloads, including our Lambert’s Point terminal in Norfolk, Virginia.

Customers looking for further assistance with freight impacted by the bridge collapse can reach out to their designated Norfolk Southern Marketing representative.