Norfolk Southern is elevating intermodal and automotive network leadership with the promotion of Will DeShazor to vice president of intermodal and automotive operations. The appointment signals a continued focus on service reliability and capacity planning for key freight segments, according to a company announcement.
DeShazor, a 21-year Norfolk Southern operations veteran, takes the role reporting to Chief Operating Officer Brian Barr. His most recent position was assistant vice president of network optimization, where he led teams responsible for network planning, commercial opportunity reviews, terminal standards, capacity modeling, and capital planning. Barr described DeShazor as "a safety-first, hands-on, collaborative leader who consistently demonstrates operational discipline, deep field experience, and a practical understanding of what it takes to run a fast, resilient network."
Background and Career Progression
| Role | Duration / Key Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal superintendent at three hump yards | 6 years of his 17 years in transportation operations leadership |
| AVP intermodal and automotive terminal operations | Led major projects including managed stacking at Austell, Ga. |
| AVP network optimization | Most recent role before VP promotion |
| DeShazor also oversaw the conversion of Triple Crown RoadRailers to containers at Toledo and Kansas City during his tenure in intermodal and automotive terminal operations. |
Impact on Operations and Trade Lanes
- Intermodal terminals: DeShazor’s experience managing hump yards and network optimization directly affects container and trailer handling at key facilities across the Norfolk Southern network.
- Automotive supply chains: His prior work in automotive terminal operations positions him to address capacity constraints and dwell time issues at dedicated automotive ramps.
- Specific projects: The managed stacking initiative at Austell improves container density and reduces yard congestion, while the RoadRailer-to-container conversion at Toledo and Kansas City expands intermodal capacity.
DeShazor holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from the Virginia Military Institute.
Shipper and Operator Implications
For freight forwarders and logistics managers using Norfolk Southern’s intermodal services, the promotion of a leader with direct terminal and network planning experience suggests continued emphasis on:
- Service consistency: DeShazor’s background in network optimization means operational planning will be closely tied to field execution.
- Growth support: his role includes commercial opportunity reviews, which may lead to new service offerings or lane expansions.
- Customer delivery: Barr noted DeShazor’s expertise will help connect network planning with field execution to improve service and support growth.
Watch List
- Further leadership changes or organizational adjustments within Norfolk Southern’s intermodal and automotive divisions.
- Implementation of terminal improvement projects modeled on the Austell, Toledo, and Kansas City conversions.
- Quarterly service metrics reports from Norfolk Southern that will reflect DeShazor’s impact on transit times and terminal throughput.
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