Iowa terminal to serve as Midwest hub for new intermodal service

Iowa Northern Railway Co., Watco Cos. LLC, Union Pacific Railroad and Valor Victoria next month will launch an internationally focused intermodal service at the Butler Intermodal Terminal in Shell Rock, Iowa.

The service aims to provide an alternative to larger Midwest rail hubs by offering shippers a cost-competitive solution that reduces long-haul trucking miles, the companies' officials said in a joint press release.

UP will transport eastbound intermodal shipments from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and interchange with the Iowa Northern Railway for final deliveries to the Butler Intermodal Terminal, they said.

Watco will provide in-terminal operations and handle intermodal containers upon arrival and for departure. Watco also will provide drayage services, and coordinate transload activities for customers reloading containers for westbound export.

Valor Victoria will work with customers interested in using the new service.