Pacific Northwest Intermodal Service Cuts Transit Time by 3 Days

BNSF and Norfolk Southern launch the Pacific Northwest intermodal service with key ports. This collaboration, announced April 02, 2025, speeds up shipping by three days to Chicago. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance, covering Seattle and Tacoma, joins BNSF and NS in this venture. Together, they streamline international shipping and boost efficiency for inland destinations like Ohio.

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Port terminals now construct trains in under two days, ensuring high density for smooth travel. Consequently, this setup delivers rapid shipments to Chicago and Norfolk Southern hubs without delays.

Enhancing the Pacific Northwest Intermodal Service

BNSF and NS consolidate all interchange traffic at NS-Ashland in Chicago, simplifying crew swaps. This strategic move enhances reliability and reduces disruptions for shippers using this route.

Jon Gabriel, BNSF’s group vice president of consumer products, emphasized customer-driven innovation here. “Our clients want more rail options, so we cut costs for 2025,” he stated.

Seattle and Tacoma ports report the lowest rail dwell times nationwide this year, thanks to upgrades. These changes prioritize rail loading and reclaim market share from Canadian rivals.

Vancouver and Prince Rupert previously drew shippers via Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. However, labor issues over two years shifted traffic back to U.S. ports.

Shippers now prefer U.S. West Coast ports, and Seattle/Tacoma benefits significantly from this trend. Last year, the port complex handled 12.3% more TEUs, showing strong container growth.

Benefits of the Pacific Northwest Intermodal Service

NWSA CEO John Wolfe praised the partnership with BNSF and NS for this leading service. “Through collaboration, we meet shippers’ needs and deliver top value,” he affirmed.

Reduced dwell times and faster transit shrink the journey from ship to Chicago to six days. Thus, this rail option ranks as North America’s quickest from the Pacific Northwest.

Norfolk Southern’s Shawn Tureman, vice president intermodal automotive, highlighted customer-focused solutions. “We work with BNSF and NWSA to provide reliable rail for 2025,” he said.

This improved service cuts transit durations, lowers costs, and optimizes supply chains for businesses nationwide. As a result, shippers gain a competitive edge with cost-effective transport worth $0 losses.

Source: www.trains.com

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