In the railroad industry, efficiency and coordination are critical to ensuring smooth operations. With large crews working across multiple locations and schedules, managing workforce logistics can be challenging. To address this need, Norfolk Southern (NS) introduced NS CrewCall, a digital system designed to simplify crew management, scheduling, and communication.
CrewCall has become an integral part of NS’s digital infrastructure, giving employees better access to their assignments while enabling the company to maintain compliance, productivity, and safety.
What is NS CrewCall?
NS CrewCall is a specialized crew scheduling and notification platform used by Norfolk Southern employees. It acts as a digital bridge between the company and its workforce, ensuring that crew members can:
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View assignments in real time
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Confirm or decline job calls
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Manage rest periods and availability
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Access work history and scheduling records
For a company operating thousands of miles of track and employing a vast workforce, CrewCall helps reduce manual errors, streamline scheduling, and improve employee satisfaction.
Features of NS CrewCall
NS CrewCall provides multiple features that make it an essential tool for railroad staff:
1. Real-Time Crew Scheduling
Employees can instantly check upcoming shifts, train assignments, and duty times.
2. Automated Notifications
Crew members receive digital notifications about new assignments or schedule changes, reducing delays caused by miscommunication.
3. Availability & Rest Tracking
The system helps ensure compliance with federal Hours of Service (HOS) laws by tracking rest periods and preventing unsafe scheduling.
4. Mobile Access
With web and mobile-friendly access, NS CrewCall allows employees to check their status on the go.
5. Timekeeping Integration
CrewCall connects with Norfolk Southern’s timekeeping systems, ensuring accurate logging of work hours and payroll processing.
Benefits of NS CrewCall
The system provides advantages for both employees and the company:
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For Employees
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Transparency in scheduling
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Reduced confusion about assignments
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Faster access to job information
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Improved work-life balance through better rest management
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For Norfolk Southern
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Increased operational efficiency
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Better compliance with federal labor and safety regulations
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Reduced administrative overhead
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Enhanced workforce productivity
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Why NS CrewCall Matters in Railroad Operations
Railroad operations run 24/7, often involving unpredictable schedules, weather impacts, and logistical challenges. Without a reliable workforce management system, delays and miscommunication can significantly affect performance.
NS CrewCall ensures that:
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The right crew is assigned to the right train at the right time.
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Federal safety requirements are met without errors.
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Operational disruptions are minimized.
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Employees are kept informed and engaged.
Challenges with NS CrewCall
Like any digital system, NS CrewCall has its own set of challenges:
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Technical Glitches – Users occasionally report login issues or downtime.
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Learning Curve – New employees may find the interface complex.
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Dependence on Connectivity – Mobile access requires stable internet or cell service.
However, Norfolk Southern continues to update and improve the platform to enhance user experience and reliability.
Future of NS CrewCall
As Norfolk Southern moves toward greater digital transformation, CrewCall is expected to evolve with new features:
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AI-powered scheduling to predict crew needs and optimize rosters.
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Integration with predictive maintenance systems for better alignment of workforce and equipment availability.
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Enhanced mobile apps with real-time push notifications.
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Analytics dashboards for managers to monitor workforce trends.
Final Thoughts
NS CrewCall is more than just a scheduling system—it is a cornerstone of Norfolk Southern’s workforce management strategy. By bringing transparency, efficiency, and compliance into crew assignments, it plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and safe railroad operations.
For employees, it offers convenience and clarity. For the company, it provides control and efficiency. As Norfolk Southern continues to innovate, NS Crew Call is likely to remain central to its mission of delivering reliable freight services across the nation.