New Appointment System at NS Landers Yard: What You Need to Know

Starting January 29, 2025, Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Landers Yard terminal in Chicago will require appointments for all gate transactions, including bare chassis, loaded, and empty container moves. This change, aimed at improving efficiency, will impact container dispatch operations and drivers navigating the terminal. With the new system powered by Blume Global, businesses must schedule appointments separately from the NS website, and drivers must adhere to strict time windows. While the update intends to streamline operations, it introduces new logistical challenges, from communication gaps between platforms to potential delays inside the terminal.
Here’s the announcement from the Intermodal Association of Chicago (IAC):
“On Wednesday, 9 am, January 29th starts an extra step in dealing with Norfolk Southern Landers Yard, 7540 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60620. All gate transactions will require an appointment to enter this terminal, whether bare chassis or with loaded/empty containers. See attached for details. (just for Landers, the other NS rails in Chicago not affected) Here is the overview:Driver needs to go onto the Blume Global website to make the Landers appointment, which is separate from the NS website.
Blume and ExpressNS+ cellphone app are not connected. The appointment made on Blume’s website doesn’t show up on the driver’s ExpressNS+ app. Container dispatch operations will need to communicate the appointment to the driver somehow.
Only 1 hour is the appointment window, driver can arrive 30 minutes before, 30 minutes after appt time.
If you get a pickup # and there aren’t any available appts before last free day. You still must pay ramp storage.
Once driver makes it through traffic, and through waiting in line at the gate, they can check in at the driver kiosk within the appointment time window. There is no guarantee the driver will get lifted right away. Even if the driver makes the appointment time obligation, they can still possibly face spending hours inside the NS Landers yard.
Driver needs appointment per container. If driver is already inside NS Landers and happens to get a pickup # for a container while waiting, the driver will have to out gate and re-enter the terminal with allocated appointment.
Within 2.5 hours of appt, you cannot change the appointment from dropping off a container to a dual mission.”
This has resulted in a $50 NS Surcharge for picking-up or delivery ocean containers to NS Landers rail ramp in Chicago.
Please contact us today if you have any questions or concerns.