Claude Edward Elkins Jr.: The Railroad Executive Who Rose from Brakeman to EVP at Norfolk Southern

Introduction

In an era where many corporate leaders come from finance, consulting, or business schools, the story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr., commonly known as Ed Elkins, stands out as a powerful example of leadership built through experience.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Elkins began his railroad career in 1988 as a road brakeman at Norfolk Southern Corporation. Over the next several decades, he worked his way through operational, marketing, and leadership roles before ultimately becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. His remarkable journey demonstrates how dedication, expertise, and perseverance can create extraordinary career opportunities.

Who Is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?

Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is one of the most respected executives in the American freight railroad industry. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, one of the largest freight railroads in the United States. In this role, he oversees major business divisions responsible for serving industries across the country.

Unlike many executives who enter leadership through corporate pathways, Elkins developed his expertise directly in railroad operations. His firsthand knowledge of the industry has helped shape his reputation as a practical, experienced, and trusted leader.

Early Life and Military Service

Before joining the railroad industry, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps. Military service helped instill the discipline, work ethic, and leadership skills that would later contribute to his success in the transportation sector.

He is a native of Southwest Virginia and later pursued higher education while building his professional career. Elkins earned a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Virginia’s College at Wise and later completed an MBA from Old Dominion University with a concentration in Port and Maritime Economics.

Starting at the Bottom: A Road Brakeman’s Job

In 1988, Elkins joined Norfolk Southern as a Road Brakeman, one of the most physically demanding entry-level positions in railroading.

A road brakeman’s responsibilities typically include:

• Coupling and uncoupling rail cars
• Monitoring train movements
• Observing signals and safety procedures
• Assisting conductors and engineers
• Working outdoors in challenging weather conditions

The role requires physical endurance, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety.

For Elkins, this position provided something invaluable: a deep understanding of how railroads operate on a daily basis. He learned the realities faced by frontline employees and gained firsthand knowledge of the operational challenges involved in moving freight across the country.

Career Progression at Norfolk Southern

One of the most impressive aspects of Elkins’ career is the steady progression through multiple levels of responsibility.

Operations Roles

After beginning as a road brakeman, he advanced through several operational positions, including:

• Conductor
• Locomotive Engineer
• Relief Yardmaster

Each role expanded his understanding of railroad operations and logistics. These experiences helped build the foundation for his future leadership positions.

Transition Into Marketing and Commercial Leadership

Following his operational career, Elkins spent approximately two decades in Intermodal Marketing. During this period, he developed expertise in:

• Customer relationships
• Freight transportation strategy
• Supply chain logistics
• Business development
• Commercial operations

This transition allowed him to combine operational knowledge with business leadership skills, creating a unique perspective that few executives possess.

Major Career Milestones

The following timeline highlights some of the most important moments in Elkins’ career:

1988

Joined Norfolk Southern as a Road Brakeman.

1988–2015

Served in multiple operational and marketing leadership roles, building expertise across the organization.

2016

Named Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing.

2018

Promoted to Vice President of Industrial Products.

2021

Appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

2024–2025

Advanced into leadership roles with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, serving as Vice Chair and later Chair.

Leadership as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer

As Chief Commercial Officer, Elkins oversees several critical business segments at Norfolk Southern, including:

• Intermodal
• Automotive
• Industrial Products
• Customer Logistics
• Field Sales
• Industrial Development
• Real Estate
• Short Line Marketing

His decisions influence freight transportation for thousands of businesses across North America. The role requires balancing customer needs, operational efficiency, economic growth, and long-term strategic planning.

Why His Leadership Style Stands Out

Many executives understand strategy.

Few understand both strategy and operations.

Because Elkins personally worked as a brakeman, conductor, engineer, and yardmaster, he brings practical experience to executive decision-making. Employees often respect leaders who have firsthand knowledge of the work being performed.

This combination of frontline experience and executive leadership has become one of the defining characteristics of Elkins’ career.

Norfolk Southern’s Importance in the U.S. Economy

Founded in 1827, Norfolk Southern operates one of the most extensive freight rail networks in the eastern United States.

The company:

• Operates approximately 19,500 route miles
• Serves 22 states
• Connects to more than 54 ports
• Handles over 7 million carloads annually
• Supports industries ranging from agriculture to automotive manufacturing

As one of the company’s top executives, Elkins helps shape transportation strategies that impact supply chains throughout North America.

Lessons From Ed Elkins’ Career

1. Start Anywhere, But Keep Moving Forward

Elkins began in one of the industry’s most demanding entry-level roles. His career proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

2. Experience Creates Expertise

Years spent in operations gave him insights that cannot be learned from textbooks alone.

3. Patience Pays Off

His rise to executive leadership took decades, showing the value of long-term commitment and continuous growth.

4. Credibility Matters

Leaders who understand frontline challenges often earn greater trust from employees and stakeholders.

5. Lifelong Learning Is Essential

While advancing professionally, Elkins also pursued higher education, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?

Claude Edward Elkins Jr., also known as Ed Elkins, is Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation.

When did Ed Elkins join Norfolk Southern?

He joined Norfolk Southern in 1988 as a Road Brakeman.

Did Ed Elkins serve in the military?

Yes. Before joining Norfolk Southern, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

What is Ed Elkins’ educational background?

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and an MBA from Old Dominion University.

What position does Ed Elkins hold today?

He serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Final Thoughts

The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is a rare example of true upward mobility in corporate America. From working on railroad tracks as a road brakeman to becoming one of the most influential executives in the freight transportation industry, his journey reflects the power of dedication, continuous learning, and real-world experience.

For professionals in transportation, logistics, manufacturing, or any hands-on industry, Elkins’ story offers an important lesson: expertise earned through years of hard work remains one of the most valuable assets a leader can possess.

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