Norfolk Southern has partnered with Hapag-Lloyd, Union Pacific Railroad, and the Port of Virginia to launch the OceaNS Bridge Express service.
The first-of-its kind service aims to link the East Coast to Western United States, providing shippers with a new way of reaching West Coast markets.
The OceaNS Bridge Express will originate at the Norfolk International Terminal at the Port of Virginia and interchange with Union Pacific in Chicago, with connections to the West Coast.
“The current environment has led shippers and carriers to think creatively about moving their goods,” said Shawn Tureman, Vice President Intermodal & Automotive Marketing for Norfolk Southern.
“In response, our team took a customer-centric approach by formulating a partnership with Hapag-Lloyd and Union Pacific, providing a new option for shipping to markets in the Western United States.”
Kari Kirchhoefer, Vice President-Premium, Marketing and Sales for Union Pacific, added: “Union Pacific’s Intermodal network is strategically positioned to provide container shippers an alternative with this overland service to the West Coast.
“Our joint service product to Seattle/Oakland/Los Angeles/Long Beach will expedite these transatlantic shipments to consumer markets in the west.”
“The OceaNS Bridge Express showcases our collective, leading Intermodal capabilities, moving containers quickly from an East Coast origin to West Coast destinations. Together, we are providing a sustainable and effective coast-to-coast solution to the challenges shippers currently face at West Coast ports,” added Tureman.
Last year, Norfolk Southern also announced it was reopening its intermodal facility in Pennsylvania to support economic growth and help ease supply chain congestion across the country.
The company opened the Greencastle facility in January 2013 as part of its Crescent Corridor initiative, a public-private partnership designed to convert freight from highway to rail to ease congested roadways and reduce carbon emissions while creating opportunities for jobs and economic development.
