Claude Edward Elkins Jr is an American corporate executive known for rising through the ranks of the railroad industry to become the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation. His journey — from frontline railroad work to top‑tier executive leadership — exemplifies resilience, strategic insight, and decades of dedication.
Early Life and Education
Claude Edward Elkins Jr was born in Southwest Virginia, a region shaped by railroads and industrial heritage. His upbringing in this environment cultivated values of hard work, discipline, and hands‑on learning from a young age — traits that would influence his entire career.
Before entering the railroad industry, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps, where he learned leadership, resilience, and accountability — lessons that would later drive his professional success.
Academically, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and later completed an MBA with a concentration in Port & Maritime Economics at Old Dominion University, blending communication skills with specialized commercial knowledge.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s Entry Into the Railroad World
In 1988, Claude Edward Elkins Jr began his railroad career at Norfolk Southern Corporation as a road brakeman, one of the most physically demanding and operationally critical roles in freight rail. This role required him to couple and uncouple cars, inspect equipment, and ensure safety on moving trains — foundational experience that would shape his leadership.
Gaining Field Experience
Before moving into management, Elkins also worked as a conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These roles gave him a comprehensive view of railroad operations and built trust with colleagues across all levels of the company.
Transition to Marketing and Strategic Roles
After gaining substantial operational experience, Elkins transitioned into intermodal marketing, a strategic shift that broadened his perspective from pure operations to competitive customer‑facing logistics solutions.
This phase of his career helped him build expertise in connecting Norfolk Southern’s rail services to global supply chains, emphasizing customer needs, service solutions, and market responsiveness.
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s Corporate Ascension
Elkins’ commercial leadership trajectory advanced steadily:
- 2016: Named Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing, overseeing safety‑critical industrial freight segments.
- 2018: Promoted to Vice President of Industrial Products, managing transportation of metals, construction materials, forest products, and more.
- 2021: Elevated to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) — the top commercial role at Norfolk Southern.
These promotions reflected his ability to merge operational knowledge with commercial strategy, positioning the company for competitive advantage.
Role and Responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer
As Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Claude Edward Elkins Jr leads Norfolk Southern’s entire commercial portfolio. This includes:
- Intermodal operations — integrating rail, port, and trucking logistics.
- Automotive logistics — ensuring timely transport of vehicles and parts.
- Industrial products transportation — moving essential freight across the economy.
- Real estate and industrial development — leveraging infrastructure strategy.
- Field sales and customer logistics — building customer relationships and optimizing solutions.
His commercial leadership role influences both revenue and service innovation at one of America’s largest freight rail networks.
Leadership Philosophy and Style
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s leadership is defined by:
- Operational Credibility:
Having worked in entry‑level and leadership roles, he understands the realities of railroad operations — a perspective many executives lack. - Customer‑First Strategy:
His marketing and commercial expertise emphasizes alignment between service capability and customer expectations. - Safety and Reliability:
Safety remains central to his decisions — not just as compliance but as a cultural priority to protect employees and stakeholders. - Long‑Term Vision:
Elkins balances short‑term performance with strategic growth through innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Case Study: Strategic Commercial Growth at Norfolk Southern
Under Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s leadership, Norfolk Southern strengthened its intermodal freight offerings — crucial in an era where global supply chains demand rapid, reliable multimodal transport. By enhancing service reliability, investing in infrastructure, and aligning sales and operations, Elkins helped Norfolk Southern capture market share from trucking competitors and adapt to dynamic customer requirements.
This strategic focus improved shipment consistency and fostered stronger customer trust in an increasingly competitive freight industry.
Community and Industry Engagement
Beyond Norfolk Southern, Claude Edward Elkins Jr serves on several boards and committees, contributing insights to broader economic development:
- Vice Chair — Georgia Chamber of Commerce
- Board Member — National Association of Manufacturers
- Board Member — East Lake Foundation & TTX Company
- Member — The Conference Board’s Council for CMOs
These roles extend his influence into industry policy, community impact, and corporate leadership conversations.
Challenges on the Road Ahead
Leading Norfolk Southern’s commercial strategy isn’t without hurdles:
- Competitive pressure from other freight carriers.
- Economic volatility and supply chain disruptions.
- Balancing operational constraints with customer commitments.
Elkins’ unique background — operational insight coupled with commercial strategy — equips him to navigate these challenges with credibility and foresight.
FAQs
- Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, known for his rise from railroad operations to senior leadership. - What was his first job at Norfolk Southern?
He began his career as a road brakeman in 1988 before advancing into leadership roles. - What are his main responsibilities today?
He oversees commercial operations including Intermodal, Automotive, Industrial Products, Real Estate, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics. - Did he serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the United States Marine Corps before his corporate career. - What educational background does he have?
He holds a BA in English and an MBA in Port & Maritime Economics, blending communication and strategic business skills.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr’s career embodies the belief that true leadership is earned — not inherited. His rise from the demanding work of a railroad brakeman to the executive suite of one of America’s most critical transportation companies is a testament to perseverance, lifelong learning, and strategic thinking.
Today, he remains a leader respected both within Norfolk Southern and throughout the rail and logistics sectors, inspiring professionals at every level to pursue growth grounded in experience and integrity.
