UP to open Southern California intermodal terminal

Union Pacific Railroad yesterday announced plans to open a new intermodal terminal in Southern California's import distribution region.

To be located near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the new terminal will open in the second quarter to provide customers' expanded access to Chicago and other key markets, UP officials said in a press release.

The terminal will be located in the fastest growing region of industrial warehousing, UP officials said. The Class I will start by establishing a “pop-up" terminal at its West Colton yard. Domestic intermodal service will launch between Southern California and Chicago, with expected future service to Dallas and southeast markets.

"We are excited to expand our intermodal presence and do it where we can reduce truck traffic on California's highways, cut drayage costs and compete effectively for domestic intermodal freight," said Kenny Rocker, UP's executive vice president of marketing and sales. "The Inland Empire Intermodal Terminal demonstrates our commitment to intermodal and the strength of Union Pacific's franchise to grow quickly and strategically using our existing footprint."