Imagine starting your career on the rails as a road brakeman, working long shifts in all kinds of weather, and three decades later leading the commercial strategy for one of America’s biggest freight railroads. That’s the real-life story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr., better known as Ed Elkins. Today, he serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, a Fortune 500 company that moves goods across the eastern United States.
His journey shows what happens when hard work, lifelong learning, and customer focus come together. In this article, we’ll explore his path, the lessons he’s learned, and why his story matters for anyone chasing big goals in any industry.
Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr. (Ed Elkins) is a veteran railroad executive who rose through the ranks at Norfolk Southern from entry-level operations to the C-suite. Appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in 2021, he now leads key revenue-driving divisions including Intermodal, Automotive, and Industrial Products.
He also oversees Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics. A native of Southwest Virginia and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Elkins brings frontline credibility and strategic vision to every decision.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Roots in Southwest Virginia
Ed Elkins grew up in Southwest Virginia, a region where railroads have long been part of daily life and community pride. Hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of community were everyday lessons. These values shaped his character early on and gave him a deep respect for the people who keep supply chains moving.
Service in the U.S. Marine Corps
Before joining the railroad, Elkins served in the United States Marine Corps. That experience taught him discipline, leadership under pressure, and the importance of teamwork, skills that would prove invaluable throughout his career. Many executives talk about “boot camp lessons,” but Elkins lived them firsthand.
Pursuing Higher Education
Elkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. He later completed an MBA at Old Dominion University with a concentration in Port & Maritime Economics.
He also holds executive management certificates from Harvard Business School, UVA Darden School of Business, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. His English degree sharpened his communication skills, while the business training gave him tools to think strategically about logistics and customer needs.
Beginning a Career on the Frontlines
Joining Norfolk Southern as a Road Brakeman
In 1988, right after his military service, Elkins was hired by Norfolk Southern as a road brakeman. It was a hands-on, physically demanding job that required precision, safety focus, and quick thinking, especially in tough weather or tight schedules.
Mastering Operational Roles
He quickly advanced to conductor, locomotive engineer, and relief yardmaster. These roles put him right in the middle of day-to-day rail operations. He learned the rhythms of the track, the challenges crews face, and how small decisions affect the entire network. That real-world experience became his greatest advantage later on.
Career in the Railroad Industry
Elkins has spent his entire professional life at Norfolk Southern, more than 35 years and counting. He started in operations and never forgot what it feels like to be on the ground. This perspective helps him lead with empathy and practicality, especially when making decisions that impact thousands of employees and customers across 22 states.
Transition into Marketing and Strategic Roles
Shifting from Tracks to Strategy
After years in operations, Elkins moved into intermodal marketing. For nearly two decades, he worked in pricing, sales, and customer strategy. He learned how to translate operational know-how into solutions that help shippers move goods more efficiently.
Building Expertise in Intermodal Marketing
Intermodal shipping, moving freight by rail and truck, grew rapidly during his time in these roles. Elkins helped position Norfolk Southern as a leader in the eastern U.S. intermodal network, connecting customers to major ports and inland markets.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Rising Through Commercial Leadership
In 2016, Elkins was promoted to Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing. Two years later, in 2018, he became Vice President of Industrial Products. In both roles, he focused on customer partnerships, market growth, and operational excellence.
Key Promotions and Growing Impact
Each step built on the last. His ability to combine frontline insight with commercial strategy made him a standout leader. Colleagues and industry peers often point to his calm, customer-first approach as a key reason for his steady rise.
Becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
The Pivotal 2021 Appointment
In 2021, Elkins was named Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. The role expanded his responsibilities to include overall commercial strategy for the company’s largest business units.
Current Responsibilities and Impact
Today,y he leads Intermodal, Automotive, and Industrial Products while overseeing real estate development, short-line partnerships, field sales, and customer logistics. Under his leadership, Norfolk Southern continues to emphasize safety, service reliability, and sustainable growth, helping customers avoid millions of tons of carbon emissions every year by choosing rail.
Community and Industry Contributions
Board Leadership and Civic Engagement
Elkins serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. He also sits on the boards of the East Lake Foundation, the National Association of Manufacturers, and TTX Company. These roles let him shape policy, support economic development, and give back to the communities Norfolk Southern serves.
Giving Back to Education and Communities
He is active on the Georgia State University Marketing RoundTable and serves on The Conference Board’s Council for Chief Marketing Officers. Whether mentoring students or advising industry groups, Elkins stays connected to the next generation of leaders.
Legacy and Life Lessons
The Value of Hands-On Experience
Elkins proves that starting at the bottom can be the best foundation for the top. His years as a brakeman and engineer give him instant credibility with employees and customers alike.
Leadership Lessons from a Non-Traditional Path
An English degree plus railroading experience taught him to communicate clearly and solve real problems. He often reminds teams that the best strategies come from understanding both the big picture and the daily details.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Rail Leaders
His story shows that perseverance, continuous learning, and a customer-first mindset can take you far. In an industry facing big changes like technology and sustainability, leaders like Elkins remind us that people and values still matter most.
FAQs
Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr.?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr is Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation, a longtime railroad leader who began his career as a road brakeman in 1988.
What are his responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer?
He leads Norfolk Southern’s Intermodal, Automotive, and Industrial Products divisions and oversees Real Estate, Industrial Development, Short Line Marketing, Field Sales, and Customer Logistics.
How did Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s military service specifically influence his corporate leadership style?
His U.S. Marine Corps experience instilled discipline, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities he brings to every leadership role.
What was the strategic significance of Elkins starting his career as a brakeman?
It gave him an unmatched understanding of daily operations, safety, and frontline challenges. That knowledge now informs smarter commercial decisions that benefit both the company and its customers.
What challenges did Claude Edward Elkins Jr. face in his life?
Like many who rise through the ranks, he balanced demanding physical work, ongoing education, and family life while navigating the fast-changing railroad industry. His steady climb shows resilience and dedication.
Conclusion
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s journey from Southwest Virginia tracks to the executive boardroom is more than a career story; it’s proof that authentic leadership, lifelong learning, and genuine care for people create lasting success. Whether you’re just starting out or already leading a team, his example offers clear lessons: stay close to the work, keep learning, and always put the customer first.
At Norfolk Southern and beyond, Ed Elkins continues to move not just freight, but the entire industry, forward. If you’re inspired by stories of real American grit and smart leadership, keep following leaders like him. The rails ahead are bright.
Abdulrahman
Tech writer at whatsontech.net
who loves to write about Ai tools, Apps and Tech guides.