Norfolk Southern to roll out TOP21 precision scheduled railroading plan

Credit: Norfolk Southern

TOP21 is a key initiative of Norfolk Southern’s new three-year strategic plan to ‘Reimagine Possible’ in all aspects of business operations. In April 2019, the railroad company announced that the first phase of TOP21 will focus on the company’s general merchandise market. Norfolk Southern already has made initial changes to its train plan for TOP21, and the railroad will make the rest of the changes in early July.

To demonstrate commitment to a smooth transition to TOP21, Norfolk Southern has been working closely with customers and has invited them to town hall meetings attended by train and engine crews as well as employees involved in operations, marketing, and customer service.

Norfolk Southern CEO, James A. Squires, said: “As we ‘Reimagine Possible’, a hallmark of our brand of precision scheduled railroading has been and will continue to be intense customer communication and collaboration. As we have promised, we will work closely with customers before and after we implement TOP21. Our goal is to achieve mutually beneficial results that include a reliable and consistent service as well as growth opportunities. We want to grow our business and our customers’ business, all while operating more efficiently and safely.”

Mike Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Southern, commented: “TOP21 supports the five principles that are at the heart of our reimagined railroad: Serve our customers, manage our assets, control our costs, work safely, and develop our people. With TOP21, the company’s goal is to serve our customers better while operating our network more efficiently and driving down operating costs.”

Norfolk Southern began developing the TOP21 plan in 2018 using computer modelling and simulation tools to analyse data and train flows to achieve optimum network fluidity and velocity. Under TOP21, the railroad will focus on reducing circuity of freight car movements to and from customers and balancing its network flows. This will allow the railroad to run fewer trains, use its operating assets more efficiently, and create capacity for growth.

Alan Shaw, Chief Marketing Officer at Norfolk Southern, said: “TOP21 will improve our network fluidity and velocity, reduce our circuity and train miles, make our railroad more resilient, and give us greater capacity for growth. We are engaged with our customers to talk about these changes and how we all can benefit from the opportunities that lie ahead as we fully implement the plan.”