Fuel Impact Hero

Sustainability

HOW INTERMODAL FUEL EFFICIENCY CAN IMPACT YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN EMISSIONS GOALS

More than a fourth of our customers have declared public goals for carbon emissions reduction – goals that we aim to support through a more sustainable rail supply chain.

Intermodal Fuel Efficiency: Explained

Intermodal freight transport is an excellent way to improve fuel efficiency because it combines trucks for short distances and rail or ships for long hauls, optimizing the strengths of each mode. Trains also produce fewer greenhouse gases per ton-mile thanks to lower fuel consumption, reduced friction, and streamlined, long-distance routes that move large shipments with less energy.

 

Combining these modes of transport minimizes overall fuel consumption and emissions by utilizing the most efficient transport mode for each segment of the journey. And with 95% of containers double-stacked, the intermodal network is highly efficient.

Explore Intermodalopens in a new tab
Juniata Locomotive Shop

The Carbon Footprint of Freight Transport

According to the American Association of Railroadsopens in a new tab, freight railroads “actively invest in infrastructure, equipment, and technology and deploy sustainable business practices to reduce their carbon footprint and build a more resilient network for a future shaped by climate change.”

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Emission Efficiency of Rail vs. Other Modes of Transport

Our Carbon Calculator uses detailed data from locomotive fuel burns every 15 minutes, providing precise fuel metrics. While industry data suggests rail reduces emissions by 75% compared to trucks, our data shows a reduction of nearly 90%, demonstrating rail's superior sustainability.

 

Learn about the broader role of sustainable rail in our Forging a Better Tomorrow Report.

 

Use our Carbon Calculator to test your emissions impact

Close up of railway showing rail safety

Emission Efficiency of Rail vs. Other Modes of Transport

Our Carbon Calculator uses detailed data from locomotive fuel burns every 15 minutes, providing precise fuel metrics. While industry data suggests rail reduces emissions by 75% compared to trucks, our data shows a reduction of nearly 90%, demonstrating rail's superior sustainability.

 

Learn about the broader role of sustainable rail in our Forging a Better Tomorrow Report.

 

Use our Carbon Calculator to test your emissions impact

89’ Frame Flat Railcar for shipping intermodal & automotive equipment

Technological and Operational Advantages of Sustainable Rail

Rail technology has made many advancements, like energy-efficient locomotives and regenerative braking, lower emissions. Optimized routing and scheduling reduce fuel consumption and idle times. Increasing train length and cargo load capacity further improves fuel efficiency. Our inaugural Climate Transition Plan aims to positively impact employees, customers, and communities.

 

Learn more about our work towards a low carbon futureopens in a new tab

INTEGRATING RAIL INTO YOUR EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROGRAM

Each year, Norfolk Southern helps customers avoid almost 15 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Read on to learn how a partnership with NS can achieve your sustainability goals.

Strategic Planning for Sustainable Rail Integration

Planning your logistics strategy has always required a focus on price, speed and service, but greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability have become increasingly larger parts of the equation.

 

Norfolk Southern helps you evaluate and select rail services that align with your sustainability goals. We offer practical steps to integrate rail into your logistics strategy, providing cost and time advantages and better shipment tracking.

Covered Hopper Agricultural 

Emissions Reduction and Fuel Efficiency

As we help customers toward their sustainability goals, we have some of our own. Our Climate Transition Plan includes three KPIs: improving locomotive fuel efficiency by 13% by 2027, increasing renewable energy usage to 30% by 2030, and reaching 20% consumption of low-carbon biofuels by 2034. These are vital for achieving our GHG emissions reduction target by 2034.

Our Low Carbon Futureopens in a new tab
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What Else Do I Need to Know?

Calculate Carbon Savings

Our customers save 15 million metric tons of CO2 a year. Find out how much you can reduce emissions and costs by shipping with us.

CALCULATE CARBONopens in a new tab

Thoroughbred Sustainability Partner Awards

The awards are a new annual opportunity to recognize our customers and suppliers who are leaders in sustainability,  recognizing achievements in three pillars

EXPLORE AWARDSopens in a new tab

Sustainability Initiatives

Through bold action and innovative approaches, NS is conserving natural resources and reducing our impact on the environment.

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVESopens in a new tab

Nature-Based Solutions

From South Carolina wetlands to the Virginia coast and beyond, we continue to expand our conservation efforts, driving sustainable land use and enhancing biodiversity.

CONSERVATION WORKopens in a new tab

Start Shipping Sustainably

Norfolk Southern integrates sustainability into daily operations in ways that advance our business, help our customers achieve their sustainability goals, and honor our commitments as a responsible corporate citizen. If you’d like to evaluate your transport strategies and consider rail, let us help.

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