The Rise of Railroad Transload Facilities: A Booming Industry

In recent years, the railroad industry has experienced a significant shift towards transloading, with companies like BNSF Railway Co. leading the charge. In this article, we will explore the growing importance of transload facilities and how they are revolutionizing the way goods are transported.

Transloading is the process of transferring goods from one mode of transportation to another, such as from trucks to railcars. This method has become increasingly popular due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. According to Colby Tanner, assistant vice president for economic development at BNSF Railway Co., transloading has been a 'very good story' in 2017, with the company's overall transloading volumes increasing over the same period last year.

One of the main drivers of this growth is the decline in traffic among traditional revenue streams such as coal. As a result, Class I railroads like BNSF are refocusing their efforts on other business segments, including transloading. In fact, the company has seen a significant uptick in the demand for wind energy-related products, such as blades and turbines.

The proposed Des Moines Transload Facility is a prime example of this trend. Located in Central Iowa, the facility will use Class 1 and 2 freight rail shippers to transport goods in and out of the region. The project is being supported by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and aims to reduce the volume of freight trucked within a 150-mile radius.

The facility will cater to a wide range of industries, including mining, steel, chemicals, lumber, and food processing. Some of the anticipated users of the facility include companies that handle large volumes of commodities, such as minerals, aggregates, salts, oils, and plastics.

In addition to its economic benefits, the transload facility will also help reduce congestion on local roads and decrease emissions from truck traffic. With its growing importance in the railroad industry, it's clear that transload facilities like the one proposed in Des Moines will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation in the United States.

Railroad transload facility