Schneider begins eastern intermodal shift from CSX to Norfolk Southern in November

Lead —

On Oct. 29, 2026, Norfolk Southern and Schneider National issued a joint announcement that Schneider’s eastern intermodal network will shift from CSX to Norfolk Southern. Freight movements under the new arrangement are scheduled to begin in November 2026, and Norfolk Southern will formally become Schneider’s primary rail provider for the eastern network on Jan. 1, 2027. The announcement was made the same day Schneider published its third‑quarter 2026 results.

Verified facts —

The companies disclosed the timing and scope of the operational change: freight will begin to move on Norfolk Southern in November 2026 and Norfolk Southern will be implemented as Schneider’s primary eastern rail provider on Jan. 1, 2027. The joint announcement was dated Oct. 29, 2026. Schneider’s public disclosure does not name the railroad it is leaving in the joint announcement; Schneider’s 2025 annual report lists CSX Transportation, Union Pacific and CPKC as the primary rail contracts supporting its intermodal operations. Schneider did not disclose the commercial terms, contract length, or the volume of intermodal traffic that will shift to Norfolk Southern. A dedicated team drawn from both companies is handling the changeover, the company said. Schneider reported 114,619 intermodal orders in Q3 2026, down from 116,592 a year earlier; revenue per order rose to $2,486 from $2,413, and intermodal operating income increased about 35% year‑on‑year. Norfolk Southern reported 3% intermodal volume growth in Q3 2026 and lists network projects including a new Cincinnati–Atlanta service, double‑stack clearance work on the East Edge route, and terminal expansions in Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Illinois.

Organizations and responsibilities —

Schneider National: Announced the agreement with Norfolk Southern on Oct. 29, 2026 and reported related timing in its third‑quarter 2026 earnings release and earnings call. Schneider is the intermodal shipper and operator of its intermodal service, running company‑owned tractors, about 23,900 chassis and 26,800 containers, and operating over 60 intermodal rail hubs in North America. Schneider said its company drivers complete more than 90% of its domestic dray moves.

Norfolk Southern: Identified in the joint announcement as the railroad that will become Schneider’s primary eastern rail provider effective Jan. 1, 2027, with freight movements beginning in November 2026. Norfolk Southern is the network operator reporting 3% intermodal volume growth in Q3 2026 and listing specific infrastructure and service projects as part of its intermodal programme.

Other parties: CSX Transportation is not named in the Oct. 29, 2026 announcement; Schneider’s 2025 annual report lists CSX among its primary intermodal rail contracts, but Schneider did not explicitly identify the departing carrier in the joint announcement. Union Pacific and CPKC are listed in Schneider’s 2025 annual report as other primary rail contracts; Schneider said it does not expect the Norfolk Southern agreement to affect the freight moved with CPKC. Union Pacific is separately pursuing an acquisition of Norfolk Southern that is under regulatory review at the Surface Transportation Board.

Operational and commercial context —

According to Schneider’s management comments in the Q3 2026 earnings release and earnings call, the move is part of a company strategy to adapt its intermodal offering, enhance service and support profitable growth. Schneider described rail agreements as long‑term and confidential and did not disclose financial terms or the share of intermodal volume shifting to Norfolk Southern. The companies said a combined implementation team will manage the operational transition; Schneider compared the timetable to a prior shift it carried out mostly in the final month of a calendar year. Schneider’s reported network assets for intermodal operations include about 23,900 chassis, 26,800 containers and more than 60 intermodal rail hubs; its drivers perform over 90% of domestic dray. Norfolk Southern’s ongoing network work and terminal investments provide context for capacity and service development on routes linking the Midwest and East. Regulatory context: the Surface Transportation Board adopted a procedural schedule for Union Pacific’s proposed acquisition of Norfolk Southern on Aug. 18, 2026, with public comments due Nov. 18, 2026 and a projected closing by Union Pacific in the second half of 2027 if approved; Schneider said potential combined‑railroad benefits were not built into its current expectations.

Sources —

https://www.railway.supply/schneider-begins-eastern-intermodal-shift-from-csx-to-norfolk-southern-in-november/ (Railway Supply)

Disclosure —

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