Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) announced a partnership with Jaguar Transport Holdings, LLC to expand freight operations in northeast metro Atlanta. Under the agreement, Jaguar will handle local switching services, operate Norfolk Southern's Doraville transload terminal, and invest in infrastructure upgrades.

The arrangement transfers responsibility for the Doraville industrial rail corridor to Jaguar, which will provide switching and transload services for businesses near I-285 and I-85. The facility serves both rail-adjacent customers and regional shippers requiring truck-to-rail connectivity.

"This deal is completely focused on freight growth, delivering increased capacity, and providing expanded local service in the important metro Atlanta market," said Stefan Loeb, Norfolk Southern vice president of business development and first- and final-mile markets.

Jaguar will make capital improvements to expand yard capacity at Doraville. The company operates multiple short line railroads and transload facilities across the United States. Tim Enayati, senior vice president of commercial development at Jaguar Transport, said the company is committed to delivering service to customers and being a growth partner for Norfolk Southern in Atlanta.

Norfolk Southern stated the partnership supports its proposed combination with Union Pacific, noting that Jaguar already operates as a short line partner of Union Pacific. The railroad said this alignment could support operational coordination across a transcontinental network.

The collaboration aims to support freight growth, enable new industrial development in the corridor, and increase switching opportunities and transloading capacity, according to the press release statement.