Norfolk Southern Implements New Reservation System

In our continuous effort to enhance the efficiency and reliability of intermodal freight transport, Norfolk Southern will deploy a new reservation system tomorrow, September 4, 2024, at our intermodal terminals. The Thoroughbred Resource Planning System (TRPS, pronounced “trips”) will match intermodal train capacity with the flow of inbound containers, ensuring smoother operations and improved service for our customers.

The primary objective of the reservation system is to eliminate variability in Norfolk Southern’s intermodal network. By standardizing train sizes, we can smooth out volume fluctuations throughout the week. Key benefits:

•      Operational Predictability: Implementation of the reservation system will lead to more predictable operations, reduced uncertainty, and enhanced planning accuracy for both customers and Norfolk Southern.

•      Customer Involvement: Customers have played a role in designing this system, ensuring it aligns with their operational requirements.

•      Technological Integration: The reservation system will integrate with existing systems, including AccessNS, ExpressNS+, OPTCS, and Sentinel, ensuring a smooth transition and efficient data flow.

Over the past three months, a dedicated team of 118 members from various Norfolk Southern departments, including IT, business operations, and external consultants, has worked collaboratively to develop the reservation system.

The introduction of the reservation system marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing efficient and reliable intermodal freight services. By reducing variability and enhancing operational predictability, we aim to deliver better service and support to our customers. We look forward to the successful implementation of this system and the positive impact it will have on our operations and customer satisfaction.

Beginning tomorrow, those doing business at our terminals need to log into AccessNS to begin getting familiar with the new functionality. For the first two weeks, customers can see how the screens operate, watch as reservations fill upon unit ingate, and explore the different screens where they can see the new data. Each new page will have a “Help” button with more information on what the screen is for and what functions exists for customers within the screens.
 

There will also be “How To” guides within AccessNS to help navigate the new functionality. For more detailed information and updates, please contact the Norfolk Southern AccessNS Helpdesk.