Open Top Load Compliance

Norfolk Southern is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety across our network—and we know you share that commitment. As a safety measure, we are implementing a new machine vision system to identify open-top loads with material extending beyond the sides of a railcar. These overhangs create safety risks for railroad personnel, loading teams, and the public. This initiative focuses on product extending outside the railcar's longitudinal and lateral boundaries, not material above the top chord.

When an overhang is detected, the Exception Logistics team will open a Connect NS case to notify and educate the shipper. The goal is to prevent delays, protect cargo, and improve loading compliance.

Initially, railcars will only be set out when significant overhangs require immediate correction or when repetitive issues continue from a common origin. Applicable tariff charges may apply. Norfolk Southern is targeting 100% compliance by October 1, 2026.

For questions or loading best practices, contact Exception Logistics at nslss@nscorp.com. Additional guidance is available through the AAR Open Top Loading Rules.

We appreciate your partnership as we continue to leverage technology to improve safety and prevent incidents across the network.