Norfolk Southern Corporation and French shipping giant CMA CGM have introduced a new door‑to‑door intermodal service that combines the railroad’s long‑haul reach with the simplicity of truckload transport. The service, branded under Norfolk Southern’s Triple Crown name, will initially operate on high‑volume lanes from Los Angeles to Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio, and Detroit, using 40‑foot high‑cube containers to streamline the handoff between truck and rail.
The door‑to‑door model eliminates the need for shippers to manage multiple carriers, creating a single point of contact. "This service is designed to look and feel like a truck move while delivering the efficiency, sustainability and scale advantages of intermodal," said a Norfolk Southern spokesperson. "By using 40‑foot high‑cube containers and a door‑to‑door operating model, we're reducing complexity for brokers and shippers and creating a more seamless way to convert long‑haul highway freight to rail."
Strategically, the partnership expands Norfolk Southern’s intermodal footprint and positions the company to compete more aggressively with trucking and other rail carriers that are also innovating in door‑to‑door logistics. The collaboration leverages CMA CGM’s global network and expertise, allowing Norfolk Southern to better utilize its intermodal network, improve asset efficiency, and offer customers a reliable alternative for key long‑haul lanes. "It's another example of how we're working with partners to expand intermodal participation and deliver smarter, more flexible supply‑chain solutions," the spokesperson added.
Norfolk Southern’s Q4 2025 results provide context for the new service. Revenue fell 2% to $3.0 billion, while adjusted diluted EPS rose 6% to $3.22, beating analyst expectations of $2.78. The earnings beat was largely driven by strict cost controls and productivity savings that exceeded $215 million, offsetting a decline in intermodal traffic. CEO Mark George noted, "In 2025, we strengthened the foundation of our railroad. We kept our cost commitments, maintained reliable service, and delivered measurable safety gains with the company's best injury and accident rates in more than a decade."
Competitive pressures remain intense, with CSX’s alliance with BNSF Railway intensifying intermodal competition. Intermodal traffic has declined, but merchandise and coal businesses have grown, providing a tailwind. The new service is expected to help Norfolk Southern capture market share in the face of these headwinds. Meanwhile, the company is in the process of being acquired by Union Pacific, a transaction that could reshape the U.S. rail landscape and further enhance Norfolk Southern’s long‑haul capabilities.
The partnership does not disclose financial terms, but the introduction of a door‑to‑door offering signals Norfolk Southern’s continued focus on service differentiation and customer‑centric solutions. The service is positioned to drive incremental revenue growth by attracting shippers seeking integrated logistics options, while reinforcing Norfolk Southern’s competitive stance in a market where intermodal volumes are under pressure.
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