The team at our Norris Yard, located in Irondale, Alabama, is spearheading a series of performance improvements that will significantly enhance our ability to provide safe, reliable, and resilient service to our customers. Situated just outside Birmingham, the yard has built a strong culture of accountability, open communication, and mutual respect between craft and non-craft employees.

This collaborative atmosphere has fostered a team-oriented approach to problem-solving, where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their roles and contribute actively to ongoing improvements.

The concerted efforts of the Norris Yard team have led to significant advancements in several key performance areas:

• AAR Dwell: The yard has reduced the average time that trains remain idle by 13 hours compared to 2023. This reduction ensures that trains are kept moving efficiently.
• Train Connections: Efficiency in placing cars on the correct departing trains has seen a marked improvement, with a 15% increase in train connections compared to the previous year. This improvement ensures that freight is routed quickly and accurately, enhancing service reliability.
• Left Behind Cars: A vital metric for operational efficiency, the number of left-behind cars has been reduced by 50%.

One of the driving forces behind these improvements is the team’s focus on fostering a culture of accountability. "Norris Yard has embraced a high level of accountability by promoting a speak-up culture focused on both safety and operational excellence," said Wesleigh Sebasty, Assistant Superintendent of the Gulf Division. "With open communication and a commitment to excellence, the team is setting the standard for mutual accountability."

This culture of openness allows employees to voice their concerns, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions in real time.

Adds Manager, Terminal Operations Jesse Hickey: “We are managing increased volume while achieving record on-time origin departures. These accomplishments are the result of our team's commitment to excellence.”

Input from craft colleagues is an integral part of Norris Yard’s performance. “We have been provided with the tools to succeed, such as locomotives, crews, and a steady and timely inbound flow of traffic to where we can apply our expertise to execute the plan,” said Brian Womble, Yardmaster.

Recognizing that future success depends on continuous learning and skill development, Norris Yard has launched a conductor trainee (CT) boot camp to improve the skills of the yard’s newest employees. This three-day intensive training, offered in partnership with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD), provides conductor trainees with hands-on instruction using real-life scenarios. The boot camp focuses on enhancing core skills, ensuring that new employees are prepared to meet the demands of their roles.

Around 350 personnel work in and around Norris Yard, handling freight such as lumber, automotive products, and coal—a commodity vital to Alabama’s burgeoning energy market. The yard also plays a crucial role in supporting NS’ current operations and future growth strategies. As a key hub, Norris Yard not only services existing freight but also supports vital infrastructure corridors, including the 3B Corridor, the Memphis and New Orleans Gateways, and the Port of Mobile.

These strategic connections position Norris Yard as a hub in NS’ broader operational network, making it essential for both current service demands and long-term growth objectives.