Port Rail Connectivity: The Competitive Edge in Modern Freight Movement
In today’s freight environment, the strength of a port isn’t just measured by the size of its cranes or the depth of its channel—it’s measured by how seamlessly it connects to inland destinations. Rail connectivity has become a defining factor in port competitiveness, especially for short- and mid-haul markets.
Short- and Mid-Haul Rail Links Are Expanding
New short- and mid-haul rail services are creating faster, more reliable connections between ports and inland markets. Two notable additions are:
Salt Lake City lanes – Providing direct, efficient service to the Intermountain West.
Phoenix lanes – Offering a rail alternative for one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S.
These services give shippers more options beyond traditional long-haul routes, helping bypass highway congestion and reduce drayage costs.
Infrastructure Investment Drives Competitiveness
Ports are doubling down on rail infrastructure to remain competitive and capture greater market share. For example:
Port of Long Beach (POLB) is investing in a new, state-of-the-art rail yard to handle more cargo on-dock and reduce truck moves.
Port of New Orleans (NOLA) is building enhanced rail facilities to expand inland reach and improve service to key markets.
Port of Savannah is building the Blue Ridge Connector, an inland intermodal rail facility slated to open in 2026 which will expand intermodal rail service between the state’s northeast logistics corridor and the Port of Savannah.
These projects are not just about capacity - they’re about speed, reliability, and creating an integrated supply chain from ship to inland terminal.
Why This Matters for Shippers
For shippers and logistics managers, improved port rail connectivity can:
Cut transit times to inland destinations
Lower transportation costs
Reduce port congestion
Improve overall supply chain resilience
Lower carbon footprints vs over the road
As competition between ports intensifies, choosing the right port-rail combination could mean the difference between on-time delivery and costly delays.
Partner with Russell-Kroese Partners to Optimize Your Port Strategy
At Russell-Kroese Partners, we help our clients navigate the dynamic port and rail landscape - matching cargo needs with the most efficient, cost-effective port-rail connections.
Whether you’re evaluating new lanes, new lines of business through your port, negotiating contracts with railroads or ports, or exploring port options, our team brings the expertise, data, and industry relationships to keep your freight moving and your costs in check.
Let’s connect to discuss how to leverage port rail connectivity for your business. Contact us today at samantha.galltin@russellkroese.com.