NS creates department to more sharply focus on first-, last-mile market

Norfolk Southern Railway recently formed what it’s characterizing as a first-of-its-kind department charged with enhancing and strengthening customer relationships.

The new First and Final Mile Markets Department will focus on providing integrated services and solutions encompassing rail, trucking and freight terminals to offer shippers more logistics flexibility.

Led by Vice President of First and Final Mile Markets Stefan Loeb, the department is another element of the Class I's customer-centric growth strategy, NS officials said in an online post. The railroad is working to provide long-term, reliable service so customers can better build their supply chains around rail.

The department is responsible for collaborating with short lines and key local customers to help ensure smoother operations and explore new business opportunities. First and Final Mile Markets also will work with other departments to design, monitor and adapt services to more effectively meet customers’ needs.

The services might involve NS' terminal network, including Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer, Modalgistics and Thoroughbred Freight Transfer, or its subsidiaries Triple Crown, Thoroughbred Direct Intermodal Services and Thoroughbred Logistics Services. The goal is to create more efficient supply chains and truck-like modal alternatives.