Norfolk Southern’s Alan Shaw, VP Intermodal Operations, and Grant Cothran, Manager National Accounts, joined ULI members for December’s CoffeeTalk. During the discussion, members heard about the broad impact of Norfolk Southern’s lines across the eastern states and how the intermodal project at Charlotte Douglas is a great fit within the business model. Some takeaways from the presentation:

• Intermodal rail services increase supply to the freight network, delivering greater flexibility and stability to cargo owners.
• Track, locomotion and crew – specifically how these assets are utilized in an integrated system – are key components for intermodal success.
• Intermodal is a “rising tide.” Charlotte will reap benefits over the long-term. Large companies are looking for sites in close proximity to an efficiently run intermodal. (The average turnaround time for truck load/unload at Charlotte is 24 minutes, one of the fastest averages in the country.)
• Charlotte Douglas Airport is more than just air, it is multi-modal. This unique “industrial-scale smart-growth” infill project and its location are leading Charlotte to be the envy of the rest of the world.

Please click here to download the presentation.