January 4, 2002
Norfolk Southern Opens New Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer Facility in Chicago
NORFOLK, VA -- Norfolk Southern Railway Company today announced the opening of a new
Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer (TBT) terminal operation in Chicago. Bulkmatic Transport Company
has been selected to operate the facility.
TBT facilities handle the transfer of bulk products, such as plastic pellets and liquid
sweeteners, from one mode of transportation to another. Bulk transfer permits off-rail
shippers and receivers of varied commodities to combine rail's long-haul efficiencies with
truck's convenient door-to-door delivery.
"Bulkmatic has a reputation for quality service and experience gained through running 14
other TBT facilities across the Norfolk Southern system," said Mike Webb, manager of
MODALGISTICSSM, Norfolk Southern's new supply chain and distribution services group. "The
equipment and services provided by Bulkmatic will enable shippers to increase distribution
in the Chicago area with truck-served customers and allow them to gain the benefits of
rail economics."
Bulkmatic has won numerous customer awards, including being chosen four times in
DISTRIBUTION magazine's "Quest for Quality" survey as one of the top four "best of the
best" bulk carriers.
The Chicago TBT facility has 60 car spots with room to expand. The facility handles both
dry and liquid bulk products and features paving, security, full fencing, lighting,
24-hour access and truck scales. All TBT terminals are open facilities and allow haulage
by qualified motor carriers.
"This facility meets all required standards for handling food-grade products as well as
plastic pellets," said Larry Smith, Bulkmatic senior vice president of sales. "Transfers
can be done by air, pump or machine, depending on shippers' requirements."
The Chicago TBT terminal is located at 1702 E. 103rd St., Chicago, and has convenient
access to Interstates 90 and 94.
Norfolk Southern has 23 TBT and other bulk transload facilities in 14 states. Additional
TBT terminals are located in Atlanta and Dalton, Ga.; Baltimore; Buffalo, N.Y.; Charlotte
and Winston-Salem, N.C.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Chicago; Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus,
Ohio; Jersey City (Croxton), Elizabeth and Paterson, N.J.; Miami and Jacksonville, Fla.;
Mobile, Ala.; Petersburg, Va.; Pittsburgh; Spartanburg, S.C.; and Willis, Mich.
For more information about doing business at TBT facilities, contact Mike Webb at
757-823-5423.
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Virginia-based holding company with
headquarters in Norfolk. It owns a major freight railroad, Norfolk Southern Railway
Company, which operates approximately 21,800 route miles in 22 states, the District of
Columbia and the province of Ontario.
