Norfolk Southern World’s Most Admired Company climbs in 2026

Norfolk Southern World’s Most Admired Company recognition appears again in Fortune’s 2026 results: the company rose two spots to No. 2 in the Trucking, Transportation and Logistics category and ranked No. 1 among railroads, as noted in Norfolk Southern’s Story Yard update.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The placement marks a second consecutive year on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list, following the 2025 recognition.

Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list: what the ranking reflects

Norfolk Southern describes the back-to-back placement as aligned with its industry leadership, performance, and long-term value creation.

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It also points to external perception—how peers and analysts view the company’s leadership, reputation, and execution—as part of what the ranking signals from one year to the next.

How Fortune determines the World’s Most Admired Companies ranking?

As outlined in Fortune’s methodology for the World’s Most Admired Companies list, the ranking is based on surveys of executives, board members, and industry analysts. Companies are evaluated on criteria including innovation, people management, social responsibility, and financial soundness. Norfolk Southern says its repeat inclusion reflects steady execution across operations, customer service, and stakeholder engagement.

Focus on safety, service, and long-term value

Mark George, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern, linked the improved standing and the continued top spot among railroads to the company’s focus and the work of its team. “Rising in the Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list and maintaining our top spot among railroads is a testament to our team’s relentless focus. We’re advancing safety, delivering dependable service, and investing for long-term value — so our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders can thrive together.”

Beyond the ranking, Norfolk Southern says it continues investing in safer operations, resilient infrastructure, and reliable service. The company adds that its strategy remains centered on long-term value creation for customers, communities, employees, and shareholders, and points readers to its website for more information on building what it describes as a safer, stronger railroad.

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