A new interline service from Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific has begun shipping for anchor customers, the railroad said Monday.
Announced in September, the new domestic intermodal service line originates in Louisville to connect customers with key western and southern markets. The joint service now offers customers across industries like the automotive, consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare and manufacturing with truck-competitive transit time and expanded market reach from Kentucky to Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City and others.
The strategic rail connection opens new gateways linking Kentucky’s manufacturing base to domestic markets and global trade corridors, the company said. With additional capacity available, the service is primed to support more customers looking to expand their reach.
“This new service underscores our commitment to helping American manufacturers expand and compete in new markets,” Ed Elkins, Norfolk Southern executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “Kentucky is a pivotal production and distribution hub, and, if approved, a true coast-to-coast railroad stands to unlock even greater opportunities for growth and connectivity in the years ahead.”
As a leader in consumer good manufacturing, electric vehicle battery production, automotive, air cargo, bourbon and more, Kentucky is poised to now offer direct access to major highways, rail lines and inland ports, along with a deep pool of skilled labor. The efforts of city, state and regional business leaders to build a strong foundation for the state’s economic growth is matched by Norfolk Southern’s investments in critical rail infrastructure.
“Louisville is the heart of American manufacturing and the intersection where location, innovation and logistics meet to ship goods and services to people across the country and around the world,” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said. “Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific’s investment to build a new domestic rail service between Louisville and key West Coast and Southern markets is proof that the future of business and manufacturing runs straight through our city.”