A shutdown at a Dow Chemical Company facility presented a time-sensitive challenge to Norfolk Southern to deliver a new generator to the facility.

"Without the new generator providing power for the Taft, LA, plant, Dow would have been unable to produce any chemicals for its consumers," said Bill Flanagan, NS national account manager chemicals and for Dow.

Dow considered hiring a US Army transport plane to bring a replacement generator to the site, but that option was too expensive. Company representatives contacted Flanagan to ask about rail service, and NS and Union Pacific operated a special train to transport the generator from Siemens Westinghouse in New Kensington, PA.

Ed Courtney , NS system manager locomotive planning said the move was arranged by Mary McCoy Smith, Larry Dillon and Cassandra Peery all of the NS clearance bureau."

Smith also credited trainmaster Ronnie Fallin for arranging the expedited interchange from NS to UP at St. Louis .

"It was a good example of what teamwork among railroads, divisions and departments can accomplish," Smith said. "This is the quickest move that I've seen and we were glad to be of service. It makes you proud to be number one in the railroad industry."

Dow Chemical recognized NS for outstanding service.

Brad Gray, Dow's global director purchasing said, "NS and UP delivered the special train in 3.8 days, well ahead of the forecasted transit time of seven days. Communication among train crews, yard personnel and dispatchers was timely and thorough."