Ever read a story that makes you pause and think, “Now that’s a real career journey”? If you love tales of hard work, unexpected twists, and leadership grounded in real experience not just corner office chat then the life and career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr is one you’re going to want to know about.
Claude didn’t start behind a desk. He didn’t walk into corporate leadership with a fancy internship under his belt. He literally started on the railroad tracks and slowly worked his way up to become one of the top executives at a major U.S. freight railroad company. That’s the kind of climb that makes you go, “Hmm… maybe there’s something to grit after all.”
Let’s talk about who he is, how he got there, and why his story matters for anyone curious about leadership, logistics, or just plain real-world success.
Who Is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
At a quick glance, Claude Edward Elkins Jr is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the largest freight railroads in the United States.
But that title barely scratches the surface of who he is and how he got there.
He’s also:
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A railroad industry veteran with decades of hands-on experience
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A former Marine whose discipline still shows in how he leads
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A strategic commercial thinker in one of America’s oldest industries
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A community and industry influencer far beyond his own company
If you’re wondering how someone with that mix makes it to the top let’s unpack that together.
Early Life and Education: Unlikely Beginnings? Maybe. Effective Start? Definitely.
What stands out most to me is how Claude built his foundation.
Academic Roots
Unlike a lot of executives who start with business-focused degrees, Claude’s education began with a Bachelor of Arts in English. That might seem like a surprising start for someone in logistics and commercial leadership, but hear me out.
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Studying English likely honed his communication skills
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It helped him think clearly and articulate ideas a must for leaders
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It gave him an edge when he later moved into marketing and leadership roles
Then he earned his MBA in Port & Maritime Economics, a specialization that aligns perfectly with rail transportation and global trade logistics. That combo communication + commercial strategy is rare and powerful.
He didn’t stop there, either. Claude also attended advanced leadership programs at places like Harvard Business School, UVA’s Darden School, and the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Institute. Those experiences sharpened his strategic mindset and broad network.
From Marine Corps to Rail: A Foundation of Discipline
Before railroads entered the picture, Claude served in the United States Marine Corps. That’s worth pausing on for a second.
Military service, particularly in the Marines, teaches:
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Discipline under pressure
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Team leadership
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Accountability
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Strategic focus in difficult situations
Those lessons clearly shaped how Claude approaches leadership calm, firm, and never flustered when the stakes are high. IMO, starting with that kind of foundation gives a person real resilience.
Starting Out on the Railroad Tracks
Here’s where the story gets genuinely cool.
In 1988, Claude began his rail career not in an office, but out in the field as a Road Brakeman. That’s a tough job involving:
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Coupling and uncoupling train cars
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Inspecting equipment
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Following strict safety protocols
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Working all kinds of weather, long hours, and physical demands
Most executives never spend a day in these conditions. Claude did it for years. And it mattered.
Over time, he moved into roles including:
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Conductor
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Locomotive Engineer
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Relief Yardmaster
These roles gave him not just work experience, but credibility an understanding of operations from the ground up. Ever wondered why some leaders connect better with teams? It’s because they speak the same language. Claude earned that language early.
The Strategic Shift: Marketing and Commercial Leadership
After years on the operational side, Claude made a big shift and this one defined the rest of his career.
He moved into Intermodal Marketing, which is where rail meets trucking and shipping (think containers that move from ship to truck to rail). This role is critical in modern logistics because it drives customer value through integrated transport solutions.
For nearly 20 years, he:
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Built customer-focused strategies
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Strengthened partnerships across industries
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Positioned rail as a key part of supply chains
This period wasn’t glamorous, but it was strategic. He combined real-world experience with market insight, which is a rare and valuable combo.
Milestones That Mark a Rising Leader
Working hard is one thing. Being recognized for it is another.
Claude’s progress through Norfolk Southern wasn’t accidental. Here are some of the major roles he took on:
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2016: Group Vice President of Chemicals Marketing
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2018: Vice President of Industrial Products
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2021: Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
Each of these roles brought broader responsibility from managing customers in a highly regulated sector (chemicals) to overseeing major commercial segments of a Fortune 500 railroad.
What’s especially impressive is how his earlier operational experience informed every decision in these roles. It wasn’t just theory. It was ground-tested insight.
What Claude Does as Chief Commercial Officer
So what does Claude actually do now?
As Chief Commercial Officer, he leads key business divisions of Norfolk Southern, including:
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Intermodal Services
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Automotive Logistics
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Industrial Products
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Real Estate & Industrial Development
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Customer Logistics
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Field Sales & Short Line Marketing
In a nutshell, he’s the person who ensures Norfolk Southern:
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Creates value for customers
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Stays competitive in a fast-changing economy
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Adapts to shifting supply chain and sustainability demands
That’s a ton of responsibility and Claude handles it with a mix of strategic insight and real-world wisdom.
A Leadership Style Grounded in Experience
One thing people consistently say about Claude is how grounded his leadership feels.
Here’s what sets him apart:
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Empathy for frontline teams because he once was one of them
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Customer-centric thinking developed over years in marketing
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Steady decision-making shaped by Marine Corps discipline
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Strategic vision informed by cross-functional experience
He’s not the exec who forgot where he came from. That authenticity resonates with employees and partners alike.
Beyond Norfolk Southern: Industry and Community Influence
Claude doesn’t limit his impact to the railroad yard or boardroom.
He also:
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Serves as Vice Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
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Sits on boards like the National Association of Manufacturers
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Is involved with organizations like TTX Company and the East Lake Foundation
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Participates in national CMO councils and thought leadership circles
Meaning? His voice carries weight in discussions about industry policy, economic growth, and community development.
That’s pretty impressive for someone who started his professional journey on the rails.
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The Importance of His Story
Claude’s career gives you a peek into how leadership really grows from experience, not entitlement. He never took shortcuts. He didn’t skip steps. And yet today he leads one of the largest freight transportation networks in North America. That’s a lesson we can all learn from, no matter our field.
Ever thought about what real leadership looks like? Claude’s path shows:
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Empathy + experience beats ego
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Diverse skill sets make leaders versatile
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Respect for frontline teams strengthens company culture
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Balancing strategy and operations is a winning combo
Challenges and How He Handles Them
Let’s be honest: the rail industry isn’t easy. It faces:
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Supply chain disruptions
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Sustainability pressures
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Competition from trucking and other modes of transport
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Regulatory challenges
But Claude doesn’t just react. He anticipates. He builds teams. He pushes rail to be both efficient and environmentally responsible. That’s leadership with vision, not just authority.
Final Thoughts: Why Claude Edward Elkins Jr Matters
Here’s the honest truth: Claude Edward Elkins Jr isn’t just a corporate leader. He represents something deeper a career built from the ground up, without shortcuts and with unwavering commitment.
He shows that:
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You don’t need a traditional leadership path to become a great leader.
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Operational understanding can be a leader’s strongest asset.
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Empathy, strategy, and experience combine into real influence.
So if you ever wonder what it really takes to lead in a complex industry look at Claude’s story. It’s a mix of grit, learning, humility, and vision. And yeah it’s pretty inspiring.
