Progress Rail Partners with Norfolk Southern to Modernize Locomotive Fleet – Driving Higher Productivity, Reliability and Sustainability

March 9, 2026

ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, has signed an agreement with Norfolk Southern (NS) to modernize 96 EMD® SD70M-2 locomotives, transforming them into next generation SD70ICC units equipped with AC traction technology.  

The SD70ICC locomotives boost operational efficiency by enabling more power, greater reliability, and increased hauling capacity. With the upgraded design, three modernized SD70ICC units can now do the work of four legacy SD70M-2s – allowing NS to move the same tonnage with fewer locomotives, reducing fuel consumption and improving performance.

“These conversions are a tangible example of how we’re modernizing our fleet to drive safe, reliable, and efficient operations for the long term,” said Brian Barr, Norfolk Southern vice president of mechanical and chief mechanical officer. “By upgrading to AC traction, we’re strengthening network resilience, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the life of our assets — while giving our customers greater haulage capacity and the consistent service they need to support their own growth and sustainability goals."

Progress Rail’s proven AC traction platform – powered by its Individual Axle Control (IAC) system – provides enhanced adhesion and performance in challenging conditions. Converting from DC to AC also cuts unscheduled traction motor maintenance, improving fleet availability. 

Each SD70ICC modernization includes a remanufactured EMD 16-cylinder 710 engine rated at 4,300 horsepower, with updated control systems and Caterpillar Advanced Diesel Engine Management (ADEM). Together, these upgrades can reduce unplanned downtime and yield significant fuel savings depending on duty cycle, without the higher capital investment or lead times required for new locomotives.

“By modernizing existing units, Norfolk Southern is taking a significant step toward a more efficient future,” said Jack Zhang, executive vice president of locomotive at Progress Rail. “Our SD70ICC conversions deliver the performance and reliability railroads need while helping them meet their sustainability goals. This order underscores Progress Rail’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that help customers strengthen performance across their network.” 

Deliveries will start in 2027 and will be completed in 2029. The program’s phased approach allows NS to realize benefits as the modernized units return to service. Standardizing on the IAC AC traction platform also streamlines operations and simplifies long-term fleet planning – creating lasting value across the locomotive lifecycle.

 

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About Progress Rail 

Progress Rail is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. and a leading provider of rolling stock, infrastructure and advanced technologies for global rail customers. The company delivers EMD® locomotives and engines, trackwork, signaling, fasteners, and comprehensive locomotive and freight car services, along with aftermarket parts and recycling. Its technology portfolio includes data analytics, automation, connected assets, predictive maintenance and yard optimization tools. With support from Caterpillar and a network of nearly 150 locations worldwide, Progress Rail delivers innovative, reliable solutions to the rail industry. Learn more at progressrail.com.

Media Contact  
Progress Rail Corporate Communications  
Amy Everett: aeverett@progressrail.com, +1 (256) 505-6749 

 

About Norfolk Southern

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE​: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver approximately 7​ million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.  

Media Contact
Norfolk Southern Media Relations
media.relations@nscorp.com