Connecting Kentucky Businesses to West Coast Markets
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 27, 2025) – Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) have announced the launch of a new domestic intermodal rail service originating in Louisville, Kentucky. The jointly operated route provides businesses across the Ohio Valley with seamless, cost-effective freight connectivity to key West Coast markets, including Los Angeles, Seattle, and Salt Lake City.
The new service expands capacity and strengthens Louisville’s role as a strategic logistics hub in the national supply chain, supporting industries such as automotive, consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Key Features of the Louisville–West Coast Intermodal Service:
- Direct connectivity from Louisville to major West Coast terminals
- Service destinations include Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and additional western markets
- Optimized for high-volume shippers in manufacturing and consumer industries
- Enhanced schedule reliability through coordinated Class I railroad operations
By leveraging Louisville’s central location, robust industrial base, and established intermodal infrastructure, the new service offers shippers a powerful gateway to western markets and global trade routes.
Economic Development Perspective
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (CEDky) has identified the Louisville intermodal initiative as a critical infrastructure advancement supporting the state’s growing logistics and manufacturing sectors. The project aligns with CEDky’s broader mission to attract investment and enhance Kentucky’s competitiveness in the national supply chain network.
“Connectivity drives competitiveness,” said Michelle L. Sutton, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. “The partnership between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific expands market access for Kentucky businesses and reinforces our position as a central logistics corridor linking the Midwest and the Southeast.”
About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation is one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, connecting businesses across 22 eastern states and facilitating trade from coast to coast.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states across the western two-thirds of the United States, providing a critical link in the global supply chain.
About the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (CEDky) leads statewide business recruitment, expansion, and community development efforts. Through incentive programs, site selection assistance, and public–private partnerships, CEDky drives investment in manufacturing, logistics, and technology across the Commonwealth. Learn more at ced.ky.gov.
