An intermodal facility, sometimes referred to as an inland port, is a facility that transfers freight from one mode of transportation to another. For example, the facility planned for north Richland will take goods from local agriculture and other industries that arrive by truck and transfer them to rail or the Port’s nearby barge complex on the Columbia River.

Intermodal facilities are critical hubs for transferring goods across various modes of transportation, ensuring timely delivery.

By utilizing intermodal containers, shipments can smoothly transition between trucks, trains and cargo ships. This integration increases business efficiency and helps reduce carbon emissions within transportation supply chains.

The U.S. and overseas demand for our local industries’ goods is increasing, and they need expanded shipping options to get those agricultural and other goods to market.

One freight train can haul a load that would otherwise require over 300 trucks, helping ease challenges with truck transportation due to rising fuel costs and limitations on driver hours.

Rail connects with trucks and barges to seamlessly move goods to markets and seaports nationwide, supporting trade for growing Tri-Cities industries.

Rail is an environmentally responsible way to ship freight. Railroads are three to four times more fuel-efficient than trucks, and freight moved by rail reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 75%.

Plus, rail can carry more tonnage per trip. One freight train can haul a load that would otherwise require over 300 trucks.

Port of Benton’s rail line transports goods equivalent to 47,000 long-haul trucks, representing 1.3 million tons of product annually.