Norfolk Southern Corporation
Class I freight railroad headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operating approximately 19,500 route miles across the eastern United States, pending merger with Union Pacific.
Company Type
public
Founded
1982
Headquarters
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Stock
New York Stock Exchange: NSC
Revenue
Approximately $12.1 billion (FY2025)
Employees
Approximately 19,600
Primary Market
United States
About Norfolk Southern Corporation
Is Norfolk Southern being acquired?
Union Pacific announced an acquisition of Norfolk Southern in 2025; the roughly $85 billion merger remained under Surface Transportation Board review as of November 2026.
Is Norfolk Southern publicly traded?
Yes. It trades on the NYSE under ticker NSC.
What happened at East Palestine?
A February 2023 derailment released hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, producing a $600 million settlement and sustained safety scrutiny.
Who is the CEO of Norfolk Southern?
Mark George, elevated from CFO in 2024 after predecessor Alan Shaw's removal.
How large is Norfolk Southern's network?
Approximately 19,500 route miles across 22 eastern states.
How much revenue does it generate?
Approximately $12.1 billion annually.
History of Norfolk Southern Corporation
Norfolk Southern formed in 1982 through the merger of Norfolk & Western Railway and the Southern Railway, consolidating two of the strongest eastern railroads.
The 1999 Conrail split with CSX gave Norfolk Southern its northeastern territory and access to New York, completing the modern network.
The February 2023 East Palestine derailment became one of the most consequential industrial accidents in recent rail history, triggering NTSB investigations, congressional hearings, a $600 million settlement with the village, and sweeping industry safety scrutiny.
Ancora Holdings' 2024 activist campaign pushed for management change, contributing to Shaw's removal and George's elevation, before Union Pacific's July 2025 merger announcement put the company's independence on a path to end pending regulatory approval.
Norfolk Southern Corporation Sustainability & Ethics
Rail's inherent emissions advantage over trucking anchors the environmental story, while the East Palestine response and remediation define the safety record under scrutiny.
Controversy, Regulation & Public Scrutiny
East Palestine derailment: The February 2023 crash, chemical release, and vent-and-burn produced the industry's largest safety scandal in years, a $600 million settlement, and sustained regulatory pressure.
CEO removal: The board's 2024 ouster of Alan Shaw over an ethics violation drew governance scrutiny.
Merger review: The Union Pacific transaction faces shipper, labor, and competitor opposition in STB proceedings.
Brands Owned by Norfolk Southern Corporation
Norfolk Southern Corporation owns 1 brand in our database. Explore the ownership tree below — click categories to expand and see individual brands.
Norfolk Southern Corporation
public · Founded 1982 · Atlanta, Georgia, USA
1
brands
Stock Information
Norfolk Southern Corporation Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Eastern duopoly with high barriers to entry
- +Strong intermodal franchise
- +Merger could deliver shareholder value
- +Structural cost advantages of rail over trucking
Considerations
- -Merger approval uncertainty in STB review
- -East Palestine legacy costs and reputation
- -Coal decline pressuring a key segment
- -Labor and shipper opposition to consolidation
- -Activist investor pressure on performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Norfolk Southern Corporation
Is Norfolk Southern being acquired?
Union Pacific announced an acquisition of Norfolk Southern in 2025; the roughly $85 billion merger remained under Surface Transportation Board review as of November 2026.
Is Norfolk Southern publicly traded?
Yes. It trades on the NYSE under ticker NSC.
What happened at East Palestine?
A February 2023 derailment released hazardous chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, producing a $600 million settlement and sustained safety scrutiny.
Who is the CEO of Norfolk Southern?
Mark George, elevated from CFO in 2024 after predecessor Alan Shaw's removal.
How large is Norfolk Southern's network?
Approximately 19,500 route miles across 22 eastern states.
How much revenue does it generate?
Approximately $12.1 billion annually.
Sources & Further Reading
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