NS to launch dedicated intermodal service in response to Baltimore port crisis

Starting April 5, Norfolk Southern Railway will offer a dedicated intermodal service to facilitate the flow of freight between the Elizabeth Marine Terminal at the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore.

NS is in discussions with with Ports America to extend this service directly on-dock at the Seagirt Intermodal Container Transfer Facility. The expansion would benefit shippers close to Baltimore, NS officials said in a website post.

The new service is one of several steps NS is taking to address supply-chain issues since the Port of Baltimore closed last week due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. NS and CSX are the two Class Is that serve the Port of Baltimore.

Yesterday, NS transported cargo from the first Baltimore vessel diverted to the Lamberts Point terminal in Virginia since the bridge collapsed after a cargo ship hit it on March 26.

"Leveraging our extensive franchise footprint and strategic partnerships with ocean carriers, short line railroads, East Coast ports and other transportation providers, we are providing our customers with a flexible, reliable service product that they can count on in this time of need," said NS Chief Marketing Officer Ed Elkins.

NS officials said their plan to address the Baltimore port crisis includes the following steps:
• The Class I's Triple Crown Services network will help facilitate the dedicated intermodal service and work directly with cargo owners who need a door-to-door solution;
• NS is collaborating with the Port of Virginia to leverage service points such as the Virginia Inland Port in Front Royal to serve regions farther afield, including western Maryland, southern Pennsylvania and northern Virginia;
• NS has implemented an embargo for automotive traffic destined for the Dundalk Marine Terminal at the Baltimore port, and is working with automotive customers to find solutions to importing and exporting automobiles during the embargo. NS is working with auto manufacturers to develop rail solutions through alternate ports of entry in Georgia, Florida, Delaware, New York and New Jersey;
• NS is working with break bulk cargo customers to find alternative solutions to move their inventory. For example, NS’ partners at Fairwinds Landing in Norfolk, Virginia, are offering customers an alternative location; and
• NS is working with coal shippers to use alternative river and East Coast port trainloads, including the NS Lamberts Point terminal in Norfolk.