BNSF, CSX to launch LA-Ohio intermodal service

CSX Corp. yesterday announced growth plans for its Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal, which include a haulage agreement that enables BNSF Railway Co. to launch direct intermodal service between Los Angeles and North Baltimore, Ohio.

CSX's plans also include a partnership with NorthPoint Development to construct a logistics park adjacent to the terminal, and expanded eastern access to the facility via new service to and from the Port of New York and New Jersey, according to a CSX press release.

"CSX's Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal is ideally situated on CSX's main line network 30 miles south of Toledo on Interstate 75 and is surrounded by a population of nearly 30 million within a 200-mile radius," said CSX President and Chief Executive Officer James Foote. "We are excited to transform Northwest Ohio into a regional demand point that provides attractive solutions for customers and supply chain needs."

BNSF's domestic and international container-only service is expected to begin Oct. 29. The service will operate eastbound and westbound, with departure offerings five days a week in each direction.

The service will enable customers to reach key markets in the fast-growing Ohio Valley region, BNSF officials said.

"It's another way BNSF is working to streamline the existing supply chain and makes moving products easier," said Tom Williams, BNSF's group vice president, consumer products.

Much like the BNSF route from Southern California to Atlanta, a portion of the new LA-to-North Baltimore service will operate under a haulage agreement with CSX.

Meanwhile, NorthPoint Development will build the logistics park, which will include traditional warehouse and distribution capabilities. It also will feature container yard and equipment storage, export container stuffing and transload and breakbulk resources, all within a heavy-haul local corridor, CSX officials said.

To enable customers to take advantage of the amenities offered at the terminal and logistics park, CSX will expand existing East Coast port offerings to and from Northwest Ohio by adding service between the facility and the Port of New York and New Jersey, they said.

Built in 2011, the Northwest Ohio Intermodal Terminal operates 24 hours a day on more than 500 acres. It offers seven wide-span electric cranes, significant track infrastructure and technology that minimizes truck idle time, CSX officials said.

Additionally, the terminal has a lift capacity of 700,000 units for local operations, with ground storage available for more than 2,000 units.