North Dakota to launch intermodal service

(Source: Progressive Railroading 10/09/2020)

North Dakota will soon launch an intermodal rail service to help reduce shipping costs for the state’s agricultural producers and other industries, Gov. Doug Burgum announced this week.

North Dakota officials have pursued access to intermodal rail for more than 20 years. Next week, it will become a reality as Minot, North Dakota, will receive an intermodal unit train at a newly operational facility served by BNSF Railway Co., state officials said in a press release.

“Given the global demand for North Dakota products, this is a game-changer,” Burgum said in a press release. “Producers and processors across our state will now have access to competitively priced transportation, which will enable us to further grow and diversify our economy.”

The availability of intermodal service will reduce shipping costs for agricultural producers by an average of 15% to 20%, said James Leiman, director of economic development and finance at the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

Individuals and groups instrumental in securing intermodal service for the state included North Dakota’s congressional delegation, private industry, state lawmakers, the North Dakota Trade Office, the city of Minot, the Minot Area Development Corp., and the state’s departments of commerce, transportation and agriculture, Burgum said.