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On Sept. 24, the city of Atlanta will be named the nation's first-ever "Freight Rail Smart Zone" for its efficient use of rail to move consumer goods and products.

Each year, consumer goods represent more than 60 percent of all products moving through Atlanta on more than 2 million freight cars, according to a statement issued by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The public benefits from the subsequent environmental and traffic congestion relief: The 2 million freight cars rolling through Atlanta means 6 million trucks aren't traveling on the city's highways, AAR added.

Norfolk Southern Corp. will host the event at its Office Car Park, which is located behind the railway's downtown Atlanta office. Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Atlanta Commissioner of Planning, Development and Neighborhood Conservation Charles Graves, and representatives from AAR, NS and CSX Transportation plan to be on hand.

Gov. Perdue will sign a proclamation declaring Sept. 24 "Freight Rail Day";
CSXT and NS plan to offer tours of a locomotive simulator and CSXT's Auxiliary Power Unit.