Norfolk Southern

NS to Wall Street: Expect lower 1Q 2015 earnings

While stating that it “does not forecast earnings, and this announcement is not intended to change that policy,” Norfolk Southern said, in a press release issued immediately after the New York Stock Exchange closing bell on April 13, 2015, that it expects its first-quarter diluted earnings per share to be $1.00, 15% below the same quarter in 2014.

Dispatcher’s delight

Dispatching, says Norfolk Southern Manager-Dispatch Planning Systems Charlie Turnipseed, “is like a game of chess.” Like chess players, train dispatchers are constantly thinking ahead, planning movements, moving “pieces”—trains—across the “board”—the railroad’s 22-state, 11-operating-division, 20,000-mile system—and dealing with “opponents”—the numerous types of events that can impact a train’s movement between origin and destination.

NS annual report reflects “outstanding year”

Norfolk Southern’s 2014 Annual Report, titled “Behind Every Train,” highlights “record-setting net income, revenues, operating income, earnings per share, and operating ratio.” “2014 was an outstanding year,” said CEO Wick Moorman. “Our performance during the year demonstrated the increasing demand for our services, the growing value of freight rail transportation in the marketplace, and Norfolk Southern’s progress in enhancing service to meet the needs of customers and create long-term value for shareholders.”

Norfolk Southern expands “Railroad University”

Norfolk Southern on March 18, 2015 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its “Railroad University” and “redoubled its commitment to superior transportation services for its present and future rail customers.”

NS names Squires CEO, succeeding Moorman

Norfolk Southern has named James Squires chief executive officer, succeeding Wick Moorman. The action by the company’s board of directors is part of its planned succession process and will be effective June 1, 2015.

Delaware green groups target CBR activity

Two environmental groups on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 sought legal advice from a Delaware Superior Court judge on a forum to appeal state action expanding crude-by-rail (CBR) activity in the First State.

NS Roanoke offices to close

Norfolk Southern on Jan. 27, 2015 said that it will close its Roanoke office building at 110 Franklin Road SE later in the year and relocate the functions currently housed there to Atlanta, Ga., or its Norfolk, Va., headquarters. The move will affect about 500 of the 1,700 people work currently work for NS in Roanoke.