KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) opened its new $5.9 million Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer terminal today in Knoxville.

Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer (TBT) terminals are specialized facilities that allow customers to transfer a large array of commodities between rail cars and trucks.  The facilities allow customers without rail sidings to receive the benefits of rail economics and service quality.

The new terminal is located adjacent to I-275 and fewer than two miles from I-40 and I-75 at 849 Tennessee Ave., in Knoxville, adjacent to Norfolk Southern's rail yard. The facility can handle dry and liquid bulk commodities such as flour, corn starch, and corn syrup, as well as aggregates such as sand and cement.  It features 48 car spots, all in containment, a certified truck scale, and is fully paved, fenced, and lighted.

"The Knoxville TBT is well-positioned to reach local markets as well as extend the reach of our TBT facility network even more effectively to serve markets such as Kingsport, Loudon, and Morristown in East Tennessee as well as Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia," NS Group Vice President Scott McGregor told a group of city officials, customers, and guests gathered for the opening of the terminal.

Among those attending today's event were Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knoxville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Edwards.

"I want to thank Norfolk Southern for their continued support of the Knoxville community," Edwards said. "This new bulk transfer facility will help in our industrial recruitment efforts to sell the region to companies that are interested in shipping raw materials via rail."

Norfolk Southern has a network of 31 TBT facilities in 17 states, which are operated by independent contractors who are industry experts in facilitating safe and efficient bulk transfer and distribution. The new Knoxville terminal is operated by RSI Leasing Inc. More information on Norfolk Southern's transload network is available at Norfolk Southern Distribution Services.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 20,000 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation