Arkansas and Missouri Railroad increases intermodal business potential (10/22/2001
10/22/2024Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Co. (A&M) recently completed transactions aimed at boosting intermodal revenue.
On Oct. 18, the 139-mile short line received a state grant, in conjunction with Van Buren Port Authority, which would enable A&M to expand track at Arkansas River Port.
"We staunchly believe our future lies in helping grow our customers' markets, instead of nickel and diming for diminutive increases in market share," said A&M President and Chief Executive Officer Larry Bouchet in a prepared statement. "With intermodal barge/rail transportation cost advantages, our industries have an added incentive to locate and expand here."
On Oct. 19, the short line then reached an intermodal transportation agreement with America's Best Transport Inc. (ABT) and Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc. (AERT).
The pact calls for ABT to haul AERT's recycled composite wood products to A&M's Springdale, Ark., loading facility, where the products would be loaded on special lumber cars for national distribution.
"AERT's proximity to the railroad makes this deal work," said Bouchet.
In an earlier business-increasing move, A&M on Oct. 11 agreed to provide Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority rail service for land the authority is developing, and help the authority develop an overall land master plan.
A&M plans to spend $500,000 during the next three years extending track to new port facilities at Fort Chaffee to encourage the growth of nearby coal mines. The short line also would work with the authority to establish a free-trade zone, market the land, lease warehouse space and provide logistics.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News