Norfolk Southern has made this year’s Reuters Automotive D.R.I.V.E Honours shortlist. The global awards celebrate innovation, commitment, impact, and leadership within the automotive industry. As the only freight transportation company on the shortlist, Norfolk Southern was recognized by Reuters for demonstrating significant investments and achievements in delivering sustainable transport.

The rail industry plays an essential role in supporting sustainable transportation practices that contribute to the overall positive environmental impact of automotive manufacturing. In fact, railroads move 45% of the country's long-distance freight but produce only 7% of all freight-related emissions.

The Reducing Emissions category recognizes organizations who are driving sustainability, zero emission, or net-zero goals. Norfolk Southern serves more than 27 automotive manufacturing plants, and as the rail industry’s largest shipper of auto products in North America, we are uniquely positioned to assist the industry in lowering its overall carbon footprint. Annually, Norfolk Southern helps customers collectively avoid approximately 15 million metric tons of carbon emissions by shipping goods and materials with Norfolk Southern instead of trucks. This is equivalent to around 1.5 billion gallons of truck diesel fuel. 

According to the most recent Carbon Disclosure Project report, supply chain emissions are 26 times higher than operational emissions for the average company, making mode of transportation a significant opportunity for a company’s emissions savings.

Norfolk Southern’s inaugural Climate Transition Plan (CTP) details efforts we are taking to combat its supply chain emissions such as targeting a 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 2034. Through these efforts, Norfolk Southern is enhancing supply chain efficiency and sustainability across its 22-state network. 

To learn more about how Norfolk Southern is setting the standard for a cleaner supply chain, visit our 2024 “Forging a Better Tomorrow" report.

Learn more about the Reuters Automotive D.R.I.V.E Honours awards and view the full shortlist. Award winners will be announced at the Automotive D.R.I.V.E Conference in Detroit, MI on October 21.