Savage to build, run intermodal terminal at UP yard in Idaho

Savage has entered into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad to construct and operate an intermodal terminal at UP's rail yard in Pocatello, Idaho.

The Savage Railport-Southern Idaho facility — the first rail intermodal terminal in the state — is expected to be operational by mid-year, Savage and UP officials said in a joint press release.

Savage teams will place loaded containers onto rail cars that UP will transport to the Northwest Seaport Alliance ports in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington. Commodities to be shipped include containerized hay and other agricultural goods.

"The ability to ship containers out of Idaho directly to the Pacific Northwest by rail will open up supply chains and allow more Idaho businesses to access global markets," said Kirk Aubry, Savage president and chief executive officer.

The UP-Savage collaboration "makes the most of the container's round trip and saves truck drayage costs for Idaho shippers by providing a direct rail option," said Kari Kirchhoefer, UP vice president of marketing and sales premium.