Wednesday, February 10, 2010
2 More Winter Storm Alerts from Norfolk Southern
Received the following via email.
Also see our posting below on Feb. 7, 2010.
Winter Storm Impacting Mid-Atlantic Operations – Update
February 9, 2010
A severe winter storm with large amounts of snow, ice and high winds is affecting Norfolk Southern operations in critical traffic areas in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Traffic moving through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas is being impacted. Norfolk Southern personnel are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays of at least 24 hours. Norfolk Southern will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates.
Note to customers with committed service agreements: Norfolk Southern is lifting Force Majeure for traffic moving through these areas effective 9:00am Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.
Winter Storm effecting Operations in the Midwest and Northeast
February 8, 2010
A severe winter storm with large amounts of snow, ice and high winds is affecting Norfolk Southern operations in critical traffic areas in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Traffic moving through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas is being impacted. Norfolk Southern personnel are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays of at least 24 hours. Norfolk Southern will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates.
Also see our posting below on Feb. 7, 2010.
Winter Storm Impacting Mid-Atlantic Operations – Update
February 9, 2010
A severe winter storm with large amounts of snow, ice and high winds is affecting Norfolk Southern operations in critical traffic areas in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Traffic moving through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas is being impacted. Norfolk Southern personnel are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays of at least 24 hours. Norfolk Southern will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates.
Note to customers with committed service agreements: Norfolk Southern is lifting Force Majeure for traffic moving through these areas effective 9:00am Tuesday, February 9th, 2010.
Winter Storm effecting Operations in the Midwest and Northeast
February 8, 2010
A severe winter storm with large amounts of snow, ice and high winds is affecting Norfolk Southern operations in critical traffic areas in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Traffic moving through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas is being impacted. Norfolk Southern personnel are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays of at least 24 hours. Norfolk Southern will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates.
Monday, February 08, 2010
What a difference a week makes...
(Train sightings on 12-27-09.)
Somehow this got lost in the In Box. Better late than never.
...when it comes to the weather. Last Sunday was spent cleaning seven inches of snow from the driveway, walkways, steps and any other place that needed to be made passable. Last weeknd's snowfall is history, washed away by this Saturday's rains and warmer temperatures. That allowed me to make a Sunday morning trip out to Bloomsbury to see what was running. The sun was just creeping over Jugtown Mountain when NS 22V and its colorful consist of COFCs at 9:29 came east. It would be instructed to hold at CP64 for westbound 11J. About twenty minutes later, NS 20W (Chicago, IL to Croxton, NJ) had a restricted approach at CP 67 and would also hold for 11J. Perhaps the midwestern storms had delayed this train since I can't recall seeing this on any previous Sunday mornings. With 20W clear, NS 11J would then pass by at around 10:05 with eighty-five empty autoracks. I will definitely take a Sunday morning like this compared to the previous Sunday morning!
NS 20W near Bloomsbury, NJ on 12-27-09.
Somehow this got lost in the In Box. Better late than never.
...when it comes to the weather. Last Sunday was spent cleaning seven inches of snow from the driveway, walkways, steps and any other place that needed to be made passable. Last weeknd's snowfall is history, washed away by this Saturday's rains and warmer temperatures. That allowed me to make a Sunday morning trip out to Bloomsbury to see what was running. The sun was just creeping over Jugtown Mountain when NS 22V and its colorful consist of COFCs at 9:29 came east. It would be instructed to hold at CP64 for westbound 11J. About twenty minutes later, NS 20W (Chicago, IL to Croxton, NJ) had a restricted approach at CP 67 and would also hold for 11J. Perhaps the midwestern storms had delayed this train since I can't recall seeing this on any previous Sunday mornings. With 20W clear, NS 11J would then pass by at around 10:05 with eighty-five empty autoracks. I will definitely take a Sunday morning like this compared to the previous Sunday morning!
NS 20W near Bloomsbury, NJ on 12-27-09.Sunday, February 07, 2010
2 Winter Storm Alerts from Norfolk Southern
Received the following via email.
February 05, 2010
Winter Storm Impacting Mid-Atlantic Operations
A winter storm is bringing heavy snow and wind, to many areas in the Mid-Atlantic region and is moving into the Northeast impacting service in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New jersey and New York. Customers with shipments moving through these areas should expect delays of up to 48 hours. Local service will also be affected in some of the heaviest hit areas.
Norfolk Southern will be working to restore normal service in these areas as quickly as possible. Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.
Customer Service - 800 635.5768
Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.
Central Yard Operations - 800 898.4296
February 06, 2010
Winter Storm effecting Operations in the Midwest and Northeast - Force Majeure in effect
A severe winter storm with large amounts of snow, ice and high winds is affecting Norfolk Southern operations in critical traffic areas in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Traffic moving through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas is being impacted. Norfolk Southern personnel are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays of at least 48 hours. Norfolk Southern will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates.
Note to customers with committed service agreements: Norfolk Southern is invoking Force Majeure for traffic moving through these areas effective 6:00am Saturday February 6th, 2010.
Note: Force Majeure is French for "superior force," and is a legal term invoked when one party to a contract cannot fulfill the terms of the contract because of something beyond their control.
February 05, 2010
Winter Storm Impacting Mid-Atlantic Operations
A winter storm is bringing heavy snow and wind, to many areas in the Mid-Atlantic region and is moving into the Northeast impacting service in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New jersey and New York. Customers with shipments moving through these areas should expect delays of up to 48 hours. Local service will also be affected in some of the heaviest hit areas.
Norfolk Southern will be working to restore normal service in these areas as quickly as possible. Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.
Customer Service - 800 635.5768
Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.
Central Yard Operations - 800 898.4296
February 06, 2010
Winter Storm effecting Operations in the Midwest and Northeast - Force Majeure in effect
A severe winter storm with large amounts of snow, ice and high winds is affecting Norfolk Southern operations in critical traffic areas in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Traffic moving through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and the Carolinas is being impacted. Norfolk Southern personnel are working to restore normal operations as soon as possible. Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays of at least 48 hours. Norfolk Southern will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates.
Note to customers with committed service agreements: Norfolk Southern is invoking Force Majeure for traffic moving through these areas effective 6:00am Saturday February 6th, 2010.
Note: Force Majeure is French for "superior force," and is a legal term invoked when one party to a contract cannot fulfill the terms of the contract because of something beyond their control.
Friday, February 05, 2010
O-scale brass BiCentennial GG1
A Big-Little Railroad Shop Exclusive
Production Model Photo
In association with 3rd Rail Division of Sunset Models, The Big Little Railroad Shop is proud to announce this all Brass, extremely limited production of Conrail GG1 #4800 in BiCenntenial paint. Production is limited to just (20) 3-rail and (5) 2-rail models.
The model features:
Motors w/ flywheel
Working pantographs
Full cab interior detail, lighted
Directional lighting
TMCC / Railsounds 4.0
Coil couplers
054 3-rail track or 48" radius 2-rail track
MSRP is $999.95
To reserve, please call (908) 685-8892 during business hours and ask for Jan.
A $100.00 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your model.
Delivery is expected in February 2010.
Prototype Photo
Sure to become a rare collectors item.
Note: to see the photos enlarged, just click on them. Then use your browser's BACK button to return to the blog.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address 2010 BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Services Conference and Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference
Received the following via email.
February 3, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address 2010 BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Services Conference and Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), will participate in the following upcoming transportation conferences:
BB&T Capital Markets 25th Annual Transportation Services Conference
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 10:45 a.m. (EST)
The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Fla.
Webcast URL: http://bit.ly/aOcBP6
Stifel Nicolaus 2010 Transportation Conference
Thursday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. (EST)
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Fla.
Webcast URL: http://bit.ly/cc5SeG
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcasts. After the webcasts, the presentations will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
February 3, 2010
Norfolk Southern CFO Squires to address 2010 BB&T Capital Markets Transportation Services Conference and Stifel Nicolaus Transportation Conference
NORFOLK, VA. - James A. Squires, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), will participate in the following upcoming transportation conferences:
BB&T Capital Markets 25th Annual Transportation Services Conference
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 10:45 a.m. (EST)
The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, Fla.
Webcast URL: http://bit.ly/aOcBP6
Stifel Nicolaus 2010 Transportation Conference
Thursday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. (EST)
The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Fla.
Webcast URL: http://bit.ly/cc5SeG
Interested investors can listen via simultaneous webcasts. After the webcasts, the presentations will be posted at www.nscorp.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Braving the cold...
(Train sightings on 1-30-10)
...to bring you this trackside report on a rather nippy Saturday morning in Stanton Station where the temperature registered in at 14 degrees-Brrrrr....! So here goes now that my fingers have thawed out and I can type once again, here is what I saw.
NS 21M @ 9:09 was instructed to take the passing siding and hold for NS 212 and 22V. Evidently interlock problems at CP 64 (Pattenburg) wouldn't allow 21M to hold there. So the decision was made to hold them at 53 for two eastbounders. Motive power consisted of NS 9586, NS 9369 and NS 9803.
NS 212 @ 9:15 would have UP 7655 (AC45CCTE) as its leader followed by NS 7717.
...to bring you this trackside report on a rather nippy Saturday morning in Stanton Station where the temperature registered in at 14 degrees-Brrrrr....! So here goes now that my fingers have thawed out and I can type once again, here is what I saw.
NS 21M @ 9:09 was instructed to take the passing siding and hold for NS 212 and 22V. Evidently interlock problems at CP 64 (Pattenburg) wouldn't allow 21M to hold there. So the decision was made to hold them at 53 for two eastbounders. Motive power consisted of NS 9586, NS 9369 and NS 9803.
NS 212 @ 9:15 would have UP 7655 (AC45CCTE) as its leader followed by NS 7717.
NS 22V @ 9:50 waiting for this train, the minutes seemed to go by ever so slowly. Thirty-five minutes later, NS 9634 and NS 9306 would bring this train load of COFCs east.
Despite the cold and gray skies, I want consider this a not so bad day in my book.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Norfolk Southern seeks approval to declassify its board of directors
Received the following via email.
January 28, 2010
Norfolk Southern seeks approval to declassify its board of directors
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) said today it will seek to declassify its board of directors, as an enhancement to the company's corporate governance practices.
Declassification would subject all Norfolk Southern directors to annual election, replacing the current structure in which three classes of directors are elected for staggered three-year terms.
"The decision to seek declassification sends a message of accountability," said Norfolk Southern Chairman and CEO Wick Moorman. "Shareholder interests will be better served when our owners have an annual opportunity to evaluate the entire board's performance."
To implement declassification, the board will seek shareholder approval to amend the company's articles of incorporation at the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders. If approved, declassification will begin at the 2011 annual meeting. At that time, the board will nominate director candidates for one-year terms to fill vacancies as of that date. Directors elected to serve three-year terms prior to the amendment's approval, and directors elected at the 2010 annual meeting, will continue to serve until their terms expire. Beginning at the 2013 annual meeting, the entire Norfolk Southern board of directors will be elected annually.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
January 28, 2010
Norfolk Southern seeks approval to declassify its board of directors
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) said today it will seek to declassify its board of directors, as an enhancement to the company's corporate governance practices.
Declassification would subject all Norfolk Southern directors to annual election, replacing the current structure in which three classes of directors are elected for staggered three-year terms.
"The decision to seek declassification sends a message of accountability," said Norfolk Southern Chairman and CEO Wick Moorman. "Shareholder interests will be better served when our owners have an annual opportunity to evaluate the entire board's performance."
To implement declassification, the board will seek shareholder approval to amend the company's articles of incorporation at the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders. If approved, declassification will begin at the 2011 annual meeting. At that time, the board will nominate director candidates for one-year terms to fill vacancies as of that date. Directors elected to serve three-year terms prior to the amendment's approval, and directors elected at the 2010 annual meeting, will continue to serve until their terms expire. Beginning at the 2013 annual meeting, the entire Norfolk Southern board of directors will be elected annually.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Monday, February 01, 2010
Sperry Primer #3
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos and captions are his, except as noted.
Also see our posting yesterday - Sperry Primer #2.
To answer a couple of questions...we (SRS) have 17 "big cars" or railbound cars in our active fleet. The crew consisting of 2-3 people will live on the car for the duration of the test, going to stores, etc. along the way for food & laundry. The cars are equipped with a shower and a commode. It takes a dedicated person to work on the big cars...lots of responsibilities and work.
The Sperry company was founded in 1928 by Dr Sperry. He developed a technique to shoot an electrical current through the rails and determining by the returning signal if there was a defect there. This was the induction method and is still in use by Sperry an many of its vehicles. Of the other rail testing companies out there, Sperry is the only one to use induction.
This lesson shows one of the earliest Fairmont-built test cars...these were followed by three BRILL cars which didn't work well and were soon retired (and Re-sold to Remington Arms)(some have been returned to service recently by the Edwards Rail Car Co for tourist train service. The Black River & Western has one running as the Delaware Turtle!!!).
Sperry soon standardized on the Winton Powered EMC railcar, buying up many examples from the LV, B&O, SAL, CNW, B&M, RI, NYC, and SOO Line.
The third car pictured is the MACK FCD-railbus that was built for the New Haven. We use this car for subway tests and is semi-permanently assigned to the NYCTA. It can be seen occasionally in transit from the NYCTA to the home office of Sperry in Danbury, CT. Car 403 was rebuilt from the 402 after it derailed and burned in the tunnels of Detroit, MI.
The next lessons will be on the rubber-tired vehicles in our fleet.
SRS 403 in Danbury, CT
Also see our posting yesterday - Sperry Primer #2.
To answer a couple of questions...we (SRS) have 17 "big cars" or railbound cars in our active fleet. The crew consisting of 2-3 people will live on the car for the duration of the test, going to stores, etc. along the way for food & laundry. The cars are equipped with a shower and a commode. It takes a dedicated person to work on the big cars...lots of responsibilities and work.
The Sperry company was founded in 1928 by Dr Sperry. He developed a technique to shoot an electrical current through the rails and determining by the returning signal if there was a defect there. This was the induction method and is still in use by Sperry an many of its vehicles. Of the other rail testing companies out there, Sperry is the only one to use induction.
This lesson shows one of the earliest Fairmont-built test cars...these were followed by three BRILL cars which didn't work well and were soon retired (and Re-sold to Remington Arms)(some have been returned to service recently by the Edwards Rail Car Co for tourist train service. The Black River & Western has one running as the Delaware Turtle!!!).
Sperry soon standardized on the Winton Powered EMC railcar, buying up many examples from the LV, B&O, SAL, CNW, B&M, RI, NYC, and SOO Line.
The third car pictured is the MACK FCD-railbus that was built for the New Haven. We use this car for subway tests and is semi-permanently assigned to the NYCTA. It can be seen occasionally in transit from the NYCTA to the home office of Sperry in Danbury, CT. Car 403 was rebuilt from the 402 after it derailed and burned in the tunnels of Detroit, MI.
The next lessons will be on the rubber-tired vehicles in our fleet.
SRS 403 in Danbury, CT 
SRS 109 C-B-A one of the first test vehicles
SRS 121 with J.H.DePuy in the late 1930's...coll. of Bob Eilerman
SRS 402 in Trenton, NJ
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sperry Primer #2
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Also see our posting yesterday - Sperry Primer #1.
These are a few cars that are no longer with us having been sold, wrecked or rebuilt.
SRS X-107 at Danbury, CT test vehicle for new systems...sold to group in NY State
Also see our posting yesterday - Sperry Primer #1.
These are a few cars that are no longer with us having been sold, wrecked or rebuilt.
SRS X-107 at Danbury, CT test vehicle for new systems...sold to group in NY State 
SRS 140 at Jim Thorpe, PA new construction using R-12 carbody (Wrecked in Australia)
SRS 147-1 built 6-1976 new construction. Rebuilt to car 200 and in use in Europe
SRS 200 ex SRS 147
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sperry Primer #1
Received the following from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos and captions are his.
SRS is Sperry Rail Service.
Tonight we are going to start a new series. This is the Sperry school of equipment. The course is designed to allow the viewer a chance to see the various types of testing vehicles that we have / had in our fleet. We will start out with the rail-bound equipment. These cars are still in service today in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The crews stay on the cars 24/7.
SRS 149 - newest car. Built 1980 in Brooklyn, IL with a Hildebrandt Body.
SRS is Sperry Rail Service.
Tonight we are going to start a new series. This is the Sperry school of equipment. The course is designed to allow the viewer a chance to see the various types of testing vehicles that we have / had in our fleet. We will start out with the rail-bound equipment. These cars are still in service today in the US, Canada, and Mexico. The crews stay on the cars 24/7.
SRS 149 - newest car. Built 1980 in Brooklyn, IL with a Hildebrandt Body. 
SRS 124 at South Frierson, LA ex LV 24
SRS 129 & SEPTA 9012 at night in Philadelphia, PA ex LV 29
SRS 129 in Philadelphia, PA ex LV 29
Friday, January 29, 2010
Norfolk Southern reports 2009 fourth-quarter and full-year results
Received the following via email.
January 27, 2010
Norfolk Southern reports 2009 fourth-quarter and full-year results
For fourth-quarter 2009:
· Railway operating revenues were $2.1 billion.
· Income from railway operations was $549 million.
· Net income was $307 million.
· Diluted earnings per share were $0.82.
· The railway operating ratio was 73.9 percent.
For 2009:
· Railway operating revenues were $8.0 billion.
· Income from railway operations was $2.0 billion.
· Net income was $1.0 billion.
· Diluted earnings per share were $2.76.
· The railway operating ratio was 75.4 percent.
Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Review Fourth Quarter 2009
Earnings Presentation Slides Fourth Quarter 2009
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported fourth-quarter 2009 net income of $307 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared with $452 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the same quarter of 2008. Net income for 2009 was $1.0 billion, or $2.76 per diluted share, compared with $1.7 billion, or $4.52 per diluted share, for 2008.
"Our fourth-quarter results demonstrate a continuation of the momentum we have generated since the second quarter of 2009," said CEO Wick Moorman. "The results reflect a high level of performance throughout Norfolk Southern, and showcase the strength and flexibility of our franchise, our industry-leading safety and service performance, and continuing strong cost discipline."
"We expect to build upon the sequential volume gains we experienced in the third and fourth quarters driven by anticipated improvement in economic conditions combined with project growth. We plan to invest about $1.4 billion, slightly higher than our 2009 capital spending, in our rail network in 2010, including leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and service, and support the business growth we expect in future years."
Fourth-quarter railway operating revenues were $2.1 billion, down 16 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. For 2009, railway operating revenues were $8.0 billion, down 25 percent compared with 2008.
General merchandise revenues were $1.1 billion, down 9 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2008. For 2009, general merchandise revenues were $4.2 billion, down 24 percent compared with 2008. General merchandise traffic volume declined 2 percent in the quarter and 21 percent for the year compared with the same periods of 2008.
Coal revenues in the fourth quarter were $580 million, down 27 percent compared with the same period last year. For 2009, coal revenues were $2.3 billion, 27 percent lower compared with 2008. Coal traffic volume declined 19 percent in the quarter and 20 percent for the year compared with the same periods of 2008.
Intermodal revenues were $407 million, down 15 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2008. For the full year, intermodal revenues were $1.5 billion, down 26 percent compared with 2008. Intermodal traffic volume was down 9 percent in the quarter and 16 percent for 2009 compared with the same periods of 2008.
Railway operating expenses were $1.6 billion for the quarter, 8 percent lower compared with fourth-quarter 2008. For 2009, railway operating expenses declined 21 percent to $6.0 billion, compared with 2008, primarily due to lower fuel costs.
Income from railway operations for the fourth quarter was $549 million, down 32 percent, compared with fourth-quarter 2008 and $2.0 billion for the year, 36 percent lower, compared with 2008.
The fourth-quarter operating ratio was 73.9 percent compared with 67.5 percent in the same period last year. For the year, the operating ratio was 75.4 percent vs.71.1 percent for 2008.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
January 27, 2010
Norfolk Southern reports 2009 fourth-quarter and full-year results
For fourth-quarter 2009:
· Railway operating revenues were $2.1 billion.
· Income from railway operations was $549 million.
· Net income was $307 million.
· Diluted earnings per share were $0.82.
· The railway operating ratio was 73.9 percent.
For 2009:
· Railway operating revenues were $8.0 billion.
· Income from railway operations was $2.0 billion.
· Net income was $1.0 billion.
· Diluted earnings per share were $2.76.
· The railway operating ratio was 75.4 percent.
Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Review Fourth Quarter 2009
Earnings Presentation Slides Fourth Quarter 2009
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today reported fourth-quarter 2009 net income of $307 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared with $452 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the same quarter of 2008. Net income for 2009 was $1.0 billion, or $2.76 per diluted share, compared with $1.7 billion, or $4.52 per diluted share, for 2008.
"Our fourth-quarter results demonstrate a continuation of the momentum we have generated since the second quarter of 2009," said CEO Wick Moorman. "The results reflect a high level of performance throughout Norfolk Southern, and showcase the strength and flexibility of our franchise, our industry-leading safety and service performance, and continuing strong cost discipline."
"We expect to build upon the sequential volume gains we experienced in the third and fourth quarters driven by anticipated improvement in economic conditions combined with project growth. We plan to invest about $1.4 billion, slightly higher than our 2009 capital spending, in our rail network in 2010, including leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and service, and support the business growth we expect in future years."
Fourth-quarter railway operating revenues were $2.1 billion, down 16 percent compared with the same period a year earlier. For 2009, railway operating revenues were $8.0 billion, down 25 percent compared with 2008.
General merchandise revenues were $1.1 billion, down 9 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2008. For 2009, general merchandise revenues were $4.2 billion, down 24 percent compared with 2008. General merchandise traffic volume declined 2 percent in the quarter and 21 percent for the year compared with the same periods of 2008.
Coal revenues in the fourth quarter were $580 million, down 27 percent compared with the same period last year. For 2009, coal revenues were $2.3 billion, 27 percent lower compared with 2008. Coal traffic volume declined 19 percent in the quarter and 20 percent for the year compared with the same periods of 2008.
Intermodal revenues were $407 million, down 15 percent compared with fourth-quarter 2008. For the full year, intermodal revenues were $1.5 billion, down 26 percent compared with 2008. Intermodal traffic volume was down 9 percent in the quarter and 16 percent for 2009 compared with the same periods of 2008.
Railway operating expenses were $1.6 billion for the quarter, 8 percent lower compared with fourth-quarter 2008. For 2009, railway operating expenses declined 21 percent to $6.0 billion, compared with 2008, primarily due to lower fuel costs.
Income from railway operations for the fourth quarter was $549 million, down 32 percent, compared with fourth-quarter 2008 and $2.0 billion for the year, 36 percent lower, compared with 2008.
The fourth-quarter operating ratio was 73.9 percent compared with 67.5 percent in the same period last year. For the year, the operating ratio was 75.4 percent vs.71.1 percent for 2008.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Thursday, January 28, 2010
NS news items
Received the following news items via email.
January 26, 2010
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 34 cents per share on its common stock, payable on March 10, to stockholders of record on Feb 5.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 110 consecutive quarters.
Thomas D. Bell Jr. elected to Norfolk Southern board
NORFOLK, VA. - Thomas D. Bell Jr., chairman of SecurAmerica LLC, has been elected a director of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman announced today.
Bell retired as chairman and chief executive officer of Cousins Properties in July 2009. He previously served as chairman and CEO of the advertising and communications firm Young and Rubicam Inc., vice chairman and director of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, executive vice president of Ball Corporation, chairman of the Center for Naval Analysis, and president and CEO of the Hudson Institute.
Bell attended the University of Tennessee and New York University. He served as chief of staff for Sen. William Brock, and during the Reagan administration chaired the Committee on the Next Agenda as well as the Workforce 2000 Advisory Committee for the Secretary of Labor.
Norfolk Southern names Hurlbut to audit position; Dimino retires
NORFOLK, VA. - Thomas E. Hurlbut has been named vice president audit and compliance for Norfolk Southern Corporation, with headquarters in Norfolk, effective Feb. 1. He will report to CEO Wick Moorman.
Hurlbut succeeds Joseph C. Dimino, who retires Jan. 31 after a 33-year career in the law and executive divisions at Norfolk Southern.
Hurlbut joined Norfolk Southern in 1992 as senior accountant and served as manager financial reporting, director corporate accounting, director accounting research and analysis, and assistant vice president corporate accounting before being named assistant vice president internal audit in 2008. He holds an accounting degree from Washington and Lee University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Dimino joined Norfolk Southern in 1976. He served as general solicitor, general counsel, senior general counsel, vice president and corporate counsel, and vice president compliance, before being named vice president audit and compliance in 2008.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
January 26, 2010
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today announced the regular quarterly dividend of 34 cents per share on its common stock, payable on March 10, to stockholders of record on Feb 5.
Since its inception in 1982, Norfolk Southern has paid dividends on its common stock for 110 consecutive quarters.
Thomas D. Bell Jr. elected to Norfolk Southern board
NORFOLK, VA. - Thomas D. Bell Jr., chairman of SecurAmerica LLC, has been elected a director of Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC), Norfolk Southern CEO Wick Moorman announced today.
Bell retired as chairman and chief executive officer of Cousins Properties in July 2009. He previously served as chairman and CEO of the advertising and communications firm Young and Rubicam Inc., vice chairman and director of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, executive vice president of Ball Corporation, chairman of the Center for Naval Analysis, and president and CEO of the Hudson Institute.
Bell attended the University of Tennessee and New York University. He served as chief of staff for Sen. William Brock, and during the Reagan administration chaired the Committee on the Next Agenda as well as the Workforce 2000 Advisory Committee for the Secretary of Labor.
Norfolk Southern names Hurlbut to audit position; Dimino retires
NORFOLK, VA. - Thomas E. Hurlbut has been named vice president audit and compliance for Norfolk Southern Corporation, with headquarters in Norfolk, effective Feb. 1. He will report to CEO Wick Moorman.
Hurlbut succeeds Joseph C. Dimino, who retires Jan. 31 after a 33-year career in the law and executive divisions at Norfolk Southern.
Hurlbut joined Norfolk Southern in 1992 as senior accountant and served as manager financial reporting, director corporate accounting, director accounting research and analysis, and assistant vice president corporate accounting before being named assistant vice president internal audit in 2008. He holds an accounting degree from Washington and Lee University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Dimino joined Norfolk Southern in 1976. He served as general solicitor, general counsel, senior general counsel, vice president and corporate counsel, and vice president compliance, before being named vice president audit and compliance in 2008.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Frank Brown 757-629-2710 fsbrown@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Monday, January 25, 2010
Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters Train Show - Winter, 2010
The Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters will be hosting their annual Winter Train Show on January 30 & 31, 2010 at the Somerset County 4-H Center.
Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.
The 4-H Center is located at 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ. Directions can be found at http://somerset.rce.rutgers.edu/directions
Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12.
Concessions will be available all day.
This show will be featuring demonstrations and hands-on activities as well as the ever-growing and ever-improving O-Scale trains and layout.
Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.
The 4-H Center is located at 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ. Directions can be found at http://somerset.rce.rutgers.edu/directions
Admission is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12.
Concessions will be available all day.
This show will be featuring demonstrations and hands-on activities as well as the ever-growing and ever-improving O-Scale trains and layout.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Flashback 25 years ago
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
Finally made it out of Danbury, CT with the illustrious 811 and are starting the test on the A&O out of Buckhannon, WV tomorrow! Sure am glad to be out of that snake-den. Nothing new to report so I figured I'd share a few from 25 years ago down here on the Chessie (C&O). Was working for a Safety Shoe company, driving a mobile shoe store around the railroads...servicing C&O, B&O, WM, L&N, SCL, WofA, Georgia, CRR, A&WP, N&W, CR, and D&H. Travelled with camera in hand, shooting everything...locos, cars, buildings, m of w equipment, and vehicles. Those were some good times!!!
So, Sit back and enjoy!
Finally made it out of Danbury, CT with the illustrious 811 and are starting the test on the A&O out of Buckhannon, WV tomorrow! Sure am glad to be out of that snake-den. Nothing new to report so I figured I'd share a few from 25 years ago down here on the Chessie (C&O). Was working for a Safety Shoe company, driving a mobile shoe store around the railroads...servicing C&O, B&O, WM, L&N, SCL, WofA, Georgia, CRR, A&WP, N&W, CR, and D&H. Travelled with camera in hand, shooting everything...locos, cars, buildings, m of w equipment, and vehicles. Those were some good times!!!
So, Sit back and enjoy!
C&O 5883 at Coal Creek Jct, KY 8-9-1984
C&O 2329 picking up orders on the fly at Handley, WV 7-27-1984
C&O 4383 at Thurmond, WV 7-26-1984
C&O 4383 wesbound through Thurmond, WV 7-26-1984
C&O depot at Barboursville, WV 8-2-1984
C&O 33, 32 and Huelletts at Toledo, OH 4-8-1987
C&O 126 'Roadrailer' at Riverside, Baltimore, MD 8-27-1984
C&O 903137 at Morristown, IN 4-9-1987
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
stolen engine ???
Here is an example of misinformation found on the internet. We received the following item via email from a posting on a Yahoo group.
Someone in Omaha stole a locomotive. http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_ee878a8c-048d-11df-9b9f-001cc4c002e0.html Police are confident they can track it down.
If you follow the link, you will find the article below which was posted on SiouxCityJournal.com by someone that doesn't seem to know much about locomotives.
4-ton locomotive reported missing from Omaha yard
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010 6:00 pm
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Omaha police are trying to track down an 8,000-pound Union Pacific locomotive and those responsible for its disappearance.
The four-ton engine was recently discovered missing by employees of Rail Sciences. The consulting firm is contracted to diagnose and fix problems with Union Pacific equipment.
A police report says the General Electric locomotive traction electric engine is valued at $45,000.
It also says the engine's theft happened sometime before Christmas. The engine was last seen in the Rail Sciences yard in downtown Omaha.
Now, here is another article from the Omaha World-Herald about the same thing.
Train motor missing from business
Published Tuesday January 19, 2010
Authorities are trying to figure out how an 8,000-pound, $45,000 motor for a locomotive disappeared last month from an Omaha train repair business.
The General Electric locomotive traction electric engine is the property of Union Pacific Railroad. The motor had been out for repairs at Rail Sciences, 605 N. 13th St., when it disappeared between Dec. 16 and Dec. 23, according to Omaha police.
A Rail Sciences employee reported the loss to police on Wednesday, on behalf of Union Pacific. The motor had been outside, the police report said.
Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange said giant machinery is used to move the massive motor. He had no idea how it could have been taken from the yard. — Susan Szalewski and AP
I would guess that the missing traction motor has been dismanteled by now, and the parts sold as scrap.
Someone in Omaha stole a locomotive. http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/article_ee878a8c-048d-11df-9b9f-001cc4c002e0.html Police are confident they can track it down.
If you follow the link, you will find the article below which was posted on SiouxCityJournal.com by someone that doesn't seem to know much about locomotives.
4-ton locomotive reported missing from Omaha yard
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010 6:00 pm
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Omaha police are trying to track down an 8,000-pound Union Pacific locomotive and those responsible for its disappearance.
The four-ton engine was recently discovered missing by employees of Rail Sciences. The consulting firm is contracted to diagnose and fix problems with Union Pacific equipment.
A police report says the General Electric locomotive traction electric engine is valued at $45,000.
It also says the engine's theft happened sometime before Christmas. The engine was last seen in the Rail Sciences yard in downtown Omaha.
Now, here is another article from the Omaha World-Herald about the same thing.
Train motor missing from business
Published Tuesday January 19, 2010
Authorities are trying to figure out how an 8,000-pound, $45,000 motor for a locomotive disappeared last month from an Omaha train repair business.
The General Electric locomotive traction electric engine is the property of Union Pacific Railroad. The motor had been out for repairs at Rail Sciences, 605 N. 13th St., when it disappeared between Dec. 16 and Dec. 23, according to Omaha police.
A Rail Sciences employee reported the loss to police on Wednesday, on behalf of Union Pacific. The motor had been outside, the police report said.
Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange said giant machinery is used to move the massive motor. He had no idea how it could have been taken from the yard. — Susan Szalewski and AP
I would guess that the missing traction motor has been dismanteled by now, and the parts sold as scrap.
Monday, January 18, 2010
There's an old saying...
(Train sightings on 1-16-10.)
...as to what goes around comes back around. That adage best describes the route my travels would take me on this Saturday morning. My first stop of the day would be at Three Bridges where, by dawn's early light, NS 212 came through at 7:49. Motive power was NS 9028, NS 9642 and NS 6776. Arriving at Lansdown Junction just in the nick of time, NS 18G was soon seen bringing its load of mixed freight east at 8:30. Scouting out some locations at Jutland, westbound NS 21M passed by around 9:00. My trackside jaunt ended up where I started this day, at Three Bridges. With MP 48's block signal set for a westbounder, it wasn't too long before the WB'er could be heard. His symbol designation indicated it would be a high and wide load. It certainly was a nice way to close out this day.
...as to what goes around comes back around. That adage best describes the route my travels would take me on this Saturday morning. My first stop of the day would be at Three Bridges where, by dawn's early light, NS 212 came through at 7:49. Motive power was NS 9028, NS 9642 and NS 6776. Arriving at Lansdown Junction just in the nick of time, NS 18G was soon seen bringing its load of mixed freight east at 8:30. Scouting out some locations at Jutland, westbound NS 21M passed by around 9:00. My trackside jaunt ended up where I started this day, at Three Bridges. With MP 48's block signal set for a westbounder, it wasn't too long before the WB'er could be heard. His symbol designation indicated it would be a high and wide load. It certainly was a nice way to close out this day.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Trestle Fire on NS Mobile Line - Update
Received the following via email.
Trestle Fire on Mobile Line
The Norfolk Southern mainline between Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, disrupted by the trestle fire at Jackson, AL., has been restored to service the early morning of January 15. We are currently working to move the backlog of traffic resulting from this disruption and restore operations to normal as quickly as possible. Customers with shipments moving over this line should expect to see some delays until traffic flows are normalized.
Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.
Customer Service - 800 635-5768
Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.
Central Yard Operations - 800 898-4296
(Also see our post from Jan. 15, 2010.)
Trestle Fire on Mobile Line
The Norfolk Southern mainline between Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, disrupted by the trestle fire at Jackson, AL., has been restored to service the early morning of January 15. We are currently working to move the backlog of traffic resulting from this disruption and restore operations to normal as quickly as possible. Customers with shipments moving over this line should expect to see some delays until traffic flows are normalized.
Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.
Customer Service - 800 635-5768
Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.
Central Yard Operations - 800 898-4296
(Also see our post from Jan. 15, 2010.)
Friday, January 15, 2010
NS Crescent Corridor updates
Received the following items via email concerning Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor.
January 12, 2010
Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor has wide bipartisan support on Capitol Hill
NORFOLK, VA. - In recognition of the critical importance freight rail transportation offers shippers throughout the U.S., Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor program has been endorsed by 60 legislators on Capitol Hill as 2010 begins.
"Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor program comes at a critical time for our nation's economy, environment, and transportation infrastructure," said NS CEO Wick Moorman. "The Crescent Corridor will stimulate job growth, economic development, and local tax revenues, while delivering substantial public benefits for communities and shippers. We are grateful for the wide bipartisan support the Crescent Corridor is receiving on Capitol Hill."
Members of the U.S. Congress supporting the Crescent Corridor are:
Alabama: Sens. Shelby and Sessions. Reps. Rogers, Aderholt, Griffith, Bachus, and Davis.
Delaware: Sens. Carper and Kaufman. Rep. Castle.
Georgia: Sens. Chambliss and Isakson. Reps. Westmoreland, Johnson, Deal, Gingrey, and Scott.
Maryland: Rep. Bartlett.
Mississippi: Sens. Cochran and Wicker. Reps. Childers and Harper.
New Jersey: Reps. LoBiondo, Garrett, Lance, Pascrell, Payne, Rothman and Sires.
North Carolina: Sens. Burr and Hagan. Rep. Myrick.
Pennsylvania: Sens. Specter and Casey. Reps. Brady, Fattah, Gerlach, Murphy, Shuster, Schwartz, Dent, Holden, and Platts.
Tennessee: Sens. Alexander and Corker. Reps. Roe, Duncan, Wamp, Gordon, Davis, and Cohen.
Virginia: Sens. Webb and Warner. Reps. Wittman, Nye, Scott, Perriello, Goodlatte, and Boucher.
West Virginia: Rep. Capito.
The Crescent Corridor is an existing 2,500-mile rail network supporting the supply chain from Memphis and New Orleans to New Jersey designed to handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting some 73,000 jobs by 2030, and producing these estimated annual benefits:
· $326 million in tax revenues to states and communities
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
This past September, lead state Pennsylvania, joined by Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia, applied for federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program. The application seeks $300 million in support of new independent intermodal facilities at Memphis, Birmingham, and Franklin County, Pa.; and the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Track improvements in the five partner states will include 10 passing tracks, 557 individual speed improvements, and 393 miles of track improved with upgraded rail.
For more information about the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project, visit www.thefutureneedsus.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a leading North American transportation provider. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
January 14, 2010
Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor endorsed by Retail Industry Leaders Association
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project has received the endorsement of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). As noted in a letter dated December 16, 2009, from Katherine Lugar, RILA's Executive Vice President, Public Affairs to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood:
"I believe this project is an effective and efficient use of public and private funds. It is a bold example of our nation's potential that exists if we set our sights on a more balanced approach to funding our nation's transportation needs. As you are aware, existing transportation resources are proving inadequate. This project will provide a new intermodal corridor with the ultimate potential to remove over 1 million trucks a year from our already strained national interstate highway system in the South and Northeast. Most importantly, these improvements can be completed within an 18 month timeframe."
RILA is the trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad. A complete copy of RILA's letter of support can be found at: http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/pdf/letter.pdf.
RILA joins a broad spectrum of supporters for Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor, including 60 U.S. senators and representatives, the leading business associations for Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia, along with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, A Greener Gulf Coast, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Mississippi Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.
"The fact that our Crescent Corridor project is currently supported by more than 200 federal, state and local government officials, major companies, metropolitan planning organizations, and trade and environmental associations is a testament to its importance for our economy, environment, and national transportation network," said NS CEO Wick Moorman. "We are extremely grateful for the widespread support the project has received to date, and we look forward to working with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to maximize the opportunities the Crescent Corridor will deliver to the nation."
The Crescent Corridor is an existing 2,500-mile rail network supporting the supply chain from Memphis and New Orleans to New Jersey designed to handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting some 73,000 green jobs by 2030, and producing these estimated annual benefits:
· $326 million in tax revenues to states and communities
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
This past September, lead state Pennsylvania, joined by Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia, applied for federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program. The application seeks $300 million in support of new independent intermodal facilities at Memphis, Birmingham, and Franklin County, Pa.; and the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Track improvements in the five partner states will include 10 passing tracks, 557 individual speed improvements, and 393 miles of track improved with upgraded rail.
For more information about the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project, visit www.thefutureneedsus.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
January 12, 2010
Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor has wide bipartisan support on Capitol Hill
NORFOLK, VA. - In recognition of the critical importance freight rail transportation offers shippers throughout the U.S., Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor program has been endorsed by 60 legislators on Capitol Hill as 2010 begins.
"Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor program comes at a critical time for our nation's economy, environment, and transportation infrastructure," said NS CEO Wick Moorman. "The Crescent Corridor will stimulate job growth, economic development, and local tax revenues, while delivering substantial public benefits for communities and shippers. We are grateful for the wide bipartisan support the Crescent Corridor is receiving on Capitol Hill."
Members of the U.S. Congress supporting the Crescent Corridor are:
Alabama: Sens. Shelby and Sessions. Reps. Rogers, Aderholt, Griffith, Bachus, and Davis.
Delaware: Sens. Carper and Kaufman. Rep. Castle.
Georgia: Sens. Chambliss and Isakson. Reps. Westmoreland, Johnson, Deal, Gingrey, and Scott.
Maryland: Rep. Bartlett.
Mississippi: Sens. Cochran and Wicker. Reps. Childers and Harper.
New Jersey: Reps. LoBiondo, Garrett, Lance, Pascrell, Payne, Rothman and Sires.
North Carolina: Sens. Burr and Hagan. Rep. Myrick.
Pennsylvania: Sens. Specter and Casey. Reps. Brady, Fattah, Gerlach, Murphy, Shuster, Schwartz, Dent, Holden, and Platts.
Tennessee: Sens. Alexander and Corker. Reps. Roe, Duncan, Wamp, Gordon, Davis, and Cohen.
Virginia: Sens. Webb and Warner. Reps. Wittman, Nye, Scott, Perriello, Goodlatte, and Boucher.
West Virginia: Rep. Capito.
The Crescent Corridor is an existing 2,500-mile rail network supporting the supply chain from Memphis and New Orleans to New Jersey designed to handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting some 73,000 jobs by 2030, and producing these estimated annual benefits:
· $326 million in tax revenues to states and communities
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
This past September, lead state Pennsylvania, joined by Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia, applied for federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program. The application seeks $300 million in support of new independent intermodal facilities at Memphis, Birmingham, and Franklin County, Pa.; and the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Track improvements in the five partner states will include 10 passing tracks, 557 individual speed improvements, and 393 miles of track improved with upgraded rail.
For more information about the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project, visit www.thefutureneedsus.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a leading North American transportation provider. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
January 14, 2010
Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor endorsed by Retail Industry Leaders Association
NORFOLK, VA. - Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project has received the endorsement of the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). As noted in a letter dated December 16, 2009, from Katherine Lugar, RILA's Executive Vice President, Public Affairs to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood:
"I believe this project is an effective and efficient use of public and private funds. It is a bold example of our nation's potential that exists if we set our sights on a more balanced approach to funding our nation's transportation needs. As you are aware, existing transportation resources are proving inadequate. This project will provide a new intermodal corridor with the ultimate potential to remove over 1 million trucks a year from our already strained national interstate highway system in the South and Northeast. Most importantly, these improvements can be completed within an 18 month timeframe."
RILA is the trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad. A complete copy of RILA's letter of support can be found at: http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/pdf/letter.pdf.
RILA joins a broad spectrum of supporters for Norfolk Southern's Crescent Corridor, including 60 U.S. senators and representatives, the leading business associations for Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia, along with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, A Greener Gulf Coast, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, and the Mississippi Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils.
"The fact that our Crescent Corridor project is currently supported by more than 200 federal, state and local government officials, major companies, metropolitan planning organizations, and trade and environmental associations is a testament to its importance for our economy, environment, and national transportation network," said NS CEO Wick Moorman. "We are extremely grateful for the widespread support the project has received to date, and we look forward to working with the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to maximize the opportunities the Crescent Corridor will deliver to the nation."
The Crescent Corridor is an existing 2,500-mile rail network supporting the supply chain from Memphis and New Orleans to New Jersey designed to handle more rail freight traffic faster and more reliably, creating or benefiting some 73,000 green jobs by 2030, and producing these estimated annual benefits:
· $326 million in tax revenues to states and communities
· 1.3 million long-haul trucks diverted from interstates
· $146 million in accident avoidance savings
· 1.9 million tons in CO2 reduction
· $575 million in congestion savings
· $92 million in highway maintenance savings
· 169 million gallons in fuel savings
This past September, lead state Pennsylvania, joined by Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia, applied for federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Program. The application seeks $300 million in support of new independent intermodal facilities at Memphis, Birmingham, and Franklin County, Pa.; and the expansion of intermodal terminals in Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Track improvements in the five partner states will include 10 passing tracks, 557 individual speed improvements, and 393 miles of track improved with upgraded rail.
For more information about the Crescent Corridor Intermodal Freight Project, visit www.thefutureneedsus.com.
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 21,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal and industrial products.
Norfolk Southern contacts
Media Rudy Husband 610-567-3377 rudy.husband@nscorp.com
Investors Leanne Marilley 757-629-2861 leanne.marilley@nscorp.com
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Trestle Fire on NS Mobile Line
Received the following via email on 1-13-10 from Norfolk Southern.
Trestle Fire on Mobile Line
A trestle fire between Jackson and Suggsville, Alabama (north of Mobile) has disrupted Norfolk Southern mainline operations between Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama. We are currently working to assess damage and restore operations as quickly as possible, including possible reroutes. However customers with shipments normally moving over this line should expect delays.
Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.
Customer Service - 800 635-5768
Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.
Central Yard Operations - 800 898-4296
Trestle Fire on Mobile Line
A trestle fire between Jackson and Suggsville, Alabama (north of Mobile) has disrupted Norfolk Southern mainline operations between Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama. We are currently working to assess damage and restore operations as quickly as possible, including possible reroutes. However customers with shipments normally moving over this line should expect delays.
Customers with questions regarding specific shipments should contact their Customer Service Representative.
Customer Service - 800 635-5768
Central Yard Operations representatives are also available to answer any questions regarding local service (set/pull) in the affected area.
Central Yard Operations - 800 898-4296
Heading back to work 1-2010
Received the following via email from Kermit Geary, Jr. Text, photos, and captions are his.
After an extended holiday, due to truck problems with the illustrious 811, I am in Albany, NY getting ready to test down the River Line towards North Bergen, NJ on (SRS) car 954. Here are a few trains I shot on the way to Albany today.
Going to be sending out some historical shots periodically...things that I have taken 20+ years ago...
NS 9448 at Albany, NY
After an extended holiday, due to truck problems with the illustrious 811, I am in Albany, NY getting ready to test down the River Line towards North Bergen, NJ on (SRS) car 954. Here are a few trains I shot on the way to Albany today.
Going to be sending out some historical shots periodically...things that I have taken 20+ years ago...
NS 9448 at Albany, NY 
Amtrak 716 at Albany - Rennsaelaer, NY
CSXT 2437 - 1010 at Selkirk Yard, NY
NS 8914 south of New Milford, PA along rt 11
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
To be trackside on a morning like this...
(Train sightings on 1-9-10.)
...Saturday morning when the temperature "hovered" in the lower twenties, a person has to be devoted to railfanning or else wear plenty of layers of clothing to stay warm. For myself, I would have to answer those two questions by saying "Yes!'. The first train seen was NS 214 at 8:22 at the Lansdown Road grade crossing. My main interest in seeing this train was that the third unit was BNSF 7211. It has been a long drought for me when it comes to seeing foreign power along the LEHL. I had to feel a little compassion for some contractors that were working on some fiber optic cables along the ROW. Besides the cold, they also had to deal with the frozen ground!
Deciding to try a new location and warm up, I drove up to a new location that I have not been to previously. This spot would be the Perryville Road (MP 60.8) grade crossing. I was quite pleased with what I lensed. First train through would be NS 22V, lead by NS 7693.
Knowing that NS 64J would follow behind this train, I opted for another location near here. A mound of ballast helped to give me some elevation to snap NS 5423 rounding the curve just west of this grade crossing. After two hours of being out in the cold, I decided to head on home with what I considered a good morning of railfanning.
...Saturday morning when the temperature "hovered" in the lower twenties, a person has to be devoted to railfanning or else wear plenty of layers of clothing to stay warm. For myself, I would have to answer those two questions by saying "Yes!'. The first train seen was NS 214 at 8:22 at the Lansdown Road grade crossing. My main interest in seeing this train was that the third unit was BNSF 7211. It has been a long drought for me when it comes to seeing foreign power along the LEHL. I had to feel a little compassion for some contractors that were working on some fiber optic cables along the ROW. Besides the cold, they also had to deal with the frozen ground!
Deciding to try a new location and warm up, I drove up to a new location that I have not been to previously. This spot would be the Perryville Road (MP 60.8) grade crossing. I was quite pleased with what I lensed. First train through would be NS 22V, lead by NS 7693.
Knowing that NS 64J would follow behind this train, I opted for another location near here. A mound of ballast helped to give me some elevation to snap NS 5423 rounding the curve just west of this grade crossing. After two hours of being out in the cold, I decided to head on home with what I considered a good morning of railfanning.
