claude edward elkins jr stands out in the freight transportation industry as a leader who has combined deep operational experience with strategic commercial insight. His rise from a railroad brakeman to Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer reflects resilience, adaptability, and a sharp understanding of supply chain dynamics.
In an era where transportation networks power global commerce, his leadership has helped shape modern logistics while keeping customer needs and operational realities firmly aligned.
Growing up in Southwest Virginia, Elkins was surrounded by rail lines, industrial towns, and a culture built on hard work. These early influences instilled discipline, accountability, and a hands-on mindset that would later define his leadership approach.
Before corporate leadership entered the picture, he served in the United States Marine Corps. Military service reinforced structure, responsibility, and calm decision-making under pressure — traits that continue to shape his executive presence.
His education blended communication and strategy. A Bachelor of Arts in English strengthened his analytical and interpersonal skills, while an MBA focused on Port and Maritime Economics equipped him with a deep understanding of logistics, trade, and intermodal transportation.
Elkins began his rail career in 1988 as a road brakeman at Norfolk Southern. This physically demanding role placed him directly in the operational heart of freight rail, where safety, coordination, and teamwork are non-negotiable.
Over time, he served as a conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These experiences gave him a rare, end-to-end understanding of rail operations, from managing crews to coordinating complex yard movements.
This frontline foundation built trust across the organization and ensured that future strategic decisions were grounded in operational reality.
After nearly two decades in operations, Elkins transitioned into intermodal marketing. This move expanded his focus from trains to integrated supply chains that combine rail, trucking, and shipping.
He became known for developing customer-centric solutions, aligning service offerings with evolving market demands, and positioning rail as a competitive, reliable component of modern logistics networks.
In 2016, Elkins was appointed Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, leading one of the most regulated and safety-critical segments of freight rail.
By 2018, he advanced to Vice President of Industrial Products, overseeing transportation for metals, construction materials, and forest products — sectors closely tied to national economic health.
His appointment in 2021 as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer placed him in charge of Norfolk Southern’s full commercial portfolio, including intermodal, automotive logistics, industrial products, real estate development, field sales, and customer logistics.
Elkins leads with balance — blending discipline, empathy, and data-driven strategy. His communication skills foster alignment between frontline teams and executive leadership, while his operational background ensures credibility at every level.
Safety remains a core priority, not merely as compliance, but as a cultural value that protects employees, customers, and communities.
Beyond Norfolk Southern, Elkins contributes to economic and community development through roles with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and other organizations focused on long-term growth and resilience.
In the face of supply chain disruption and economic uncertainty, his blend of operational insight and commercial pragmatism has reinforced service reliability.
Sustainability is central to his strategy, leveraging rail’s inherent carbon efficiency while investing in technologies that improve fuel efficiency and network optimization.
Elkins’ career offers a powerful lesson: leadership built on experience, patience, and continuous learning creates lasting impact. His influence extends beyond titles, shaping culture, safety, and long-term strategic vision.
Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern, with over three decades of experience in rail operations and commercial leadership.
How did he begin his career?
He started in 1988 as a road brakeman, gaining hands-on experience in rail operations.
What makes his leadership distinctive?
His rare combination of frontline operational experience, customer-focused strategy, commitment to safety, and forward-looking approach to sustainability.