Norfolk Southern Launches Customer-Centric Operating Plan: TOP|SPG

Norfolk Southern Corporation has launched TOP|SPG, a new operating plan designed to improve service, enhance productivity, and create a platform for growth. The operating plan guides the day-to-day movement of trains and shipments through Norfolk Southern’s network.

TOP|SPG builds on Norfolk Southern’s legacy of successful Thoroughbred Operating Plans (TOP), while balancing the important goals of service, productivity, and growth (SPG). The plan is an evolution of the company’s previous operating plan, TOP21, and will better serve the changing needs of its customers and consumer demands. Built upon a repeatable schedule, TOP|SPG is designed to be executable day in and day out. Core elements of the plan are built upon:

Service: Providing a platform for consistent service was the top goal in designing TOP|SPG. Norfolk Southern has worked with customers to ensure that plan changes will have minimal impact on their operations and is designed to meet their future growth.
Productivity: TOP|SPG works by making the company’s operating plan simple, consistent, and executable every day. Shipments will travel more directly across Norfolk Southern’s network; one-market origin to one-market termination. Additionally, a balanced network flow helps ensure that shipments are less likely to get caught at choke points and facilities keep goods moving.
Growth: TOP|SPG provides a platform for growth – for customers and Norfolk Southern. Team members, engines, rolling stock, and terminals are aligned to effectively serve customers, while being nimble enough to handle future volume.

Customers were integral to the design of TOP|SPG. Norfolk Southern has been working closely with them throughout the plan’s development to include their feedback and to ensure they were informed throughout implementation. Where it makes sense, Norfolk Southern began to shift daily operations to TOP|SPG ahead of June 27, realizing early benefits. Moving forward, TOP|SPG is designed to be scalable, allowing Norfolk Southern to grow with its customers.

-via Press Release

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