For many businesses, the holiday rush is both the most exciting and most demanding stretch of the year. It’s a time when customer expectations run high, delivery timelines tighten, and every shipment matters. While storefronts and online shops focus on delivering great products and great service, Norfolk Southern is hard at work behind the scenes making sure those goods reach communities on time.
In the freight rail industry, we call the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas our “peak season” as it’s our busiest stretch of the year when parcel volumes surge across the country. It’s a period that requires a heightened level of planning, readiness, and coordination across our railroad. The work may be behind the scenes, but the results are visible in the steady flow of goods that reach their destination at a time when reliability matters most.
A season defined by scale
In a typical week, our railroaders move between 5 to 7 million packages. During peak season, that figure nearly doubles to between 10 to 16 million packages per week. By the end of the season, we deliver between 60 to 96 million packages across our 22-state network.
This demand requires operational discipline and a structured approach to safety, equipment maintenance, scheduling, and communication. For businesses of all sizes—it’s critical to have consistent inventory and on-time customer deliveries—this reliability helps maintain sales continuity during their most important retail period of the year.
As consumer behavior shifts toward higher e-commerce usage, transportation networks must adapt to rising expectations. Our planning supports that growth and gives small retailers and large manufacturers confidence that their shipments can move at the speed the market demands.
Advanced planning that sets the foundation
Preparation for peak season begins months ahead of the holidays. Our Thoroughbred team refines operational plans, assesses terminal capacity, repositions locomotives and other equipment, and evaluates infrastructure needs based on projected customer demand.
- Terminal readiness is the starting point. High-volume terminals in cities like Atlanta, Georgia; Croxton, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Cincinnati, Ohio undergo strategic reviews to determine where capacity or staffing adjustments may be needed. We reposition empty containers into the markets projected to experience the highest demand, ensuring small shippers have dependable access to capacity when volumes spike.
- Train plans are optimized for seasonal requirements. We add premium intermodal train starts, update schedules along key lanes, and require supervisory sign-off on train readiness. Mechanical response trucks and trained personnel are positioned to address issues quickly and prevent service disruptions.
- Visibility is strengthened through technology. Improvements including advanced software and integrated technology platforms to enhance real-time shipment tracking. For businesses, this means greater transparency and more predictable delivery tracking.
Reliability supported by innovation
Peak season puts additional pressure on locomotives and equipment, so we use diagnostic tools and structured maintenance processes to reduce service interruptions.
Locomotives assigned to high-volume intermodal routes undergo Premium Intermodal Check Outs, a focused reliability protocol that evaluates performance indicators ahead of deployment. Remote diagnostics allows our teams to identify potential mechanical issues before they affect service. Distributed power health checks help ensure trains operate efficiently, supporting longer consists that accommodate higher parcel volumes.
Safety and security also becomes a heightened priority during the holidays. We implement layered deterrence measures across key rail yards, including AI-triggered alerts, high-tech sensors, LiveView monitoring, and drone support. Coordination with our Police Department and local law enforcement helps mitigate theft risks and protect customer freight. For businesses that operate with limited inventory buffers, these measures reinforce shipment integrity. And because rail is the most sustainable way to move freight over land, business owners are supporting a greener holiday.
Communication that reduces friction
Peak season operations require consistent communication with customers and partners across the supply chain. Daily coordination among customer logistics, terminal operations, the Network Operations Center, and commercial teams ensures that network conditions, staffing, and volume forecasts remain aligned.
Onsite support staff are positioned at terminals to assist drivers, troubleshoot paperwork or equipment issues, and help maintain throughput. When exceptions occur due to weather, congestion, or external factors, our teams activate recovery protocols designed to minimize downstream delays. For businesses, this responsiveness helps protect delivery windows and avoid lost sales during a critical period.
Supporting local economies through dependable service
Businesses in Georgia and across the Southeast rely on transportation partners who can handle seasonal volatility without compromising service. Our peak season readiness allows these businesses to focus on their customers rather than potential supply chain bottlenecks. Reliable intermodal capacity, real-time visibility, and consistent communication give them the flexibility to manage growth, respond to trends, and deliver on their brand promises.
As the 2025 holiday season is in full swing, Norfolk Southern is proudly moving full speed ahead. Every train, every package, and every mile reflect our commitment to keeping commerce moving and helping small businesses succeed during the moments that matter most.
About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern and its predecessor companies have safely and sustainably moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state network delivering approximately 7 million carloads annually.
This is sponsored content.
SOUTHERN …Served The South!
Look Ahead – Look West