The power of data – new tool increases customer supply chain visibility

Norfolk Southern is helping customers improve their supply chain management through the power of data. We recently launched our API Resource Platform, giving deeper, real-time visibility into details like shipment status, trip plans, and gate receipts.

Since conducting a pilot starting in late 2022, customers representing all lines of business, including dray carriers and third-party logistics providers, have used the portal.

With a frictionless design, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. API, or Application Programming Interface, is a two-way system that functions as a request and response between two entities. The result is a self-service portal providing on-demand access to data that can be built into our customers’ own systems. 

The new API Resource Platform enables thousands of automated data exchanges every day, improving supply chain management processes through continuous updates.  The most utilized APIs include:

Shipment Status: Pinpoint the current location and ETA for shipments and access details such as commodity, origin, and destination to proactively plan and staff delivery. 

Trip Plan: Track a shipment’s progress on its planned route with its current ETA, future movements, and completed movements.   

Gate Receipts: Access gate receipt data, terminal, and driver information, as well as the pickup numbers for equipment.  

Customers can get started by registering online. To make the integration process even smoother, the portal, which is designed for IT support professionals, includes self-serve tutorial videos and support from a dedicated NS representative. 

To get started, contact the CS Help Desk at CSHelpDesk@NSCORP.COM. 


Screenshot of the API Resource Platform home page