Claude Edward Elkins Jr is a senior railroad-industry executive who is currently serving as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Norfolk Southern Corporation. Moreover, over the years, he has built a remarkable career that spans nearly four decades, and he has risen steadily from an entry-level brakeman to one of the top commercial strategists in the American freight-rail industry.
Furthermore, his leadership covers intermodal strategy, automotive logistics, industrial products, real-estate planning, supply-chain development, and customer relations. As a result, he has become known for merging ground-level operational experience with high-level commercial planning — a rare blend in modern transportation leadership.
Early Life, Education & Foundations
Claude Edward Elkins Jr grew up in Southwest Virginia, an area known for its strong work ethic, close-knit communities, and deep connection to rail and industry. This upbringing deeply influenced his values, giving him an appreciation for labor, teamwork, and dedication long before he joined the railroad.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. His degree strengthened his communication, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills — abilities that later became essential as he took on strategic and leadership roles.
Seeking further specialization, he completed an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics at Old Dominion University. This advanced education positioned him to understand global shipping systems, port operations, and the economic forces shaping freight transportation.
To continually refine his leadership abilities, Elkins also participated in executive programs at institutions such as Harvard Business School, UVA’s Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. These programs exposed him to modern leadership techniques, supply-chain innovation, and advanced commercial strategy.
From Brakeman to Rail-Operations Veteran (1988–2000s)
What makes the career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr especially inspiring is that he began not in an office, but on the tracks — as a road brakeman for Norfolk Southern in 1988. This was demanding, physical work that required precision, attention to safety, and resilience.
From there, he progressed into several hands-on jobs:
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Conductor
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Locomotive Engineer
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Relief Yardmaster
These roles exposed him to the daily realities of freight movement — coupling railcars, managing yard operations, handling long-haul routes, and maintaining strict safety protocols. Many executives never experience these frontline challenges, but Elkins lived them, giving him a unique understanding of how decisions made in offices impact workers on the ground.
This foundation later shaped his leadership style: practical, human, detail-oriented, and respectful of the workforce that keeps the rail system operating.
Shift into Intermodal Marketing and Commercial Strategy
After spending years gaining operational expertise, Claude Edward Elkins Jr transitioned into Norfolk Southern’s Intermodal Marketing division. This shift marked the beginning of his long journey into logistics strategy and customer-focused commercial planning.
During this period, he:
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Built relationships with shippers and logistics firms
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Collaborated with ports and intermodal terminal partners
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Developed market strategies for rail-truck-ship freight corridors
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Helped Norfolk Southern adapt to growing intermodal demand
Throughout nearly two decades in this space, he gained deep insight into global trade, domestic trucking trends, port development, and intermodal growth — all of which helped him become one of the company’s key commercial thinkers.
This blending of operational grounding and strategic marketing perspective eventually positioned Elkins for major leadership roles.
Steady Rise Through Senior Leadership
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s leadership strengths became increasingly clear as he was promoted into upper management positions. His ability to understand both the realities of freight operations and the needs of commercial customers allowed him to bridge gaps between departments and drive strategic improvements.
Key leadership roles included:
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Group Vice President, Chemicals Marketing (2016)
During this period, he oversaw one of the railroad’s most safety-sensitive and economically vital sectors. Moreover, chemical shipments require precision, regulatory knowledge, and dependable performance — responsibilities Elkins handled effectively.Vice President, Industrial Products (2018)
Following this, he assumed leadership of the Industrial Products division, which includes metals, construction materials, agriculture products, and forest goods. As a result, these freight types, which are central to American industry and infrastructure, made this role especially critical to the company’s commercial strategy.
Both promotions reflected his ability to lead complex operations, manage customer relationships, and drive commercial performance.
Executive Role: CCO of Norfolk Southern
In 2021, Claude Edward Elkins Jr was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. This is one of the most influential roles at Norfolk Southern, responsible for shaping the entire commercial direction of the company.
As CCO, his responsibilities include:
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Intermodal strategy and operations
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Automotive logistics
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Industrial product transportation
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Real estate and industrial development
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Short-line partnerships
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Field sales
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Customer logistics and retention
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Commercial planning, forecasting, and growth initiatives
In this role, he must balance customer needs, operational realities, regulatory requirements, and market changes. His unique background — frontline worker turned commercial strategist — helps him approach solutions with both empathy and precision.
Industry Influence Beyond Norfolk Southern
Claude Edward Elkins Jr also contributes significantly to the wider freight, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. Over the years, he has served on several boards and committees, helping influence policy, strategy, and industry standards.
His external involvement includes:
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Board membership in national manufacturing organizations
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Leadership roles in state business chambers
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Participation in transportation logistics councils
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Advisory roles with academic and economic institutes
Through these positions, he helps shape both present and future conversations around freight movement, infrastructure investment, supply-chain resilience, and industry-wide innovation.
Leadership Style, Philosophy & Strengths
Several characteristics define the leadership style of Claude Edward Elkins Jr:
1. People-Centered Leadership of Claude Edward Elkins Jr
His frontline beginnings give him deep respect for railroad workers. Moreover, he emphasizes safety, collaboration, and operational integrity.
2. Strategic Customer Focus of Claude Edward Elkins Jr
Furthermore, he advocates for long-term customer relationships, integrated logistics solutions, and responsive service models.
3. Blending Tradition with Innovation
While grounded in traditional rail operations, he pushes for modernization — from intermodal growth to digital logistics.
4. Commitment to Sustainability
Railroads play a major role in reducing carbon emissions. Moreover, Elkins supports strategies that shift more freight from highways to rail and improve fuel efficiency.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making
Furthermore, modern freight logistics depend on analytics, forecasting, and market intelligence. Under his leadership, commercial decisions therefore rely heavily on strategic data.
Challenges and the Road Ahead for Claude Edward Elkins Jr
As CCO, Claude Edward Elkins Jr navigates major challenges:
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Increasing competition from trucking and air freight
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Growing expectations for fast, flexible delivery
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Environmental and regulatory pressures
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Infrastructure investment needs
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Supply-chain disruptions and global volatility
Despite these obstacles, his combination of operational experience, commercial insight, and steady leadership offers Norfolk Southern a strong path forward.
Why Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s Story Matters
His journey is inspiring for several reasons:
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It proves that great leaders can start at the ground level.
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It shows that operational experience builds better leadership.
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It highlights the value of lifelong learning and adaptability.
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It reflects how strategic, people-focused leadership can transform industries.
For anyone beginning a career in logistics, transportation, or any technical field, his story serves as a reminder that dedication, integrity, and continuous learning can open extraordinary opportunities.
FAQs about Claude Edward Elkins Jr
1. Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Norfolk Southern. Moreover, he is known for rising from a brakeman to a top commercial strategist in the freight railroad industry.
2. What makes Claude Edward Elkins Jr career unique?
His career is unique because he began at the operational level as a road brakeman and progressed into senior executive leadership, blending hands-on experience with commercial strategy.
3. What roles has Claude Edward Elkins Jr held at Norfolk Southern?
Over the years, he has served as a brakeman, then a conductor, followed by a role as a locomotive engineer. Additionally, he worked as a relief yardmaster and later advanced into intermodal marketing leadership, eventually becoming vice president in multiple divisions, and ultimately rising to the position of Chief Commercial Officer.
4. What are his main responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer?
He oversees intermodal operations, industrial products, automotive logistics, customer strategy, real-estate development, commercial forecasting, and overall company revenue strategy.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s rise from brakeman to Chief Commercial Officer demonstrates the power of perseverance, education, and purpose-driven leadership. His impact on Norfolk Southern — and on the broader freight-rail industry — reflects a career built on hard work, strategic thinking, and respect for both employees and customers.
As transportation systems evolve and global supply chains face new challenges, leaders like Elkins play a crucial role in guiding companies toward resilience, sustainability, and long-term success. His story stands as a testament to what can be achieved when experience meets vision, and when leadership grows from the ground up.