Revolutionizing Inland Shipping: The Port of Nevada’s New Intermodal Service
In a significant development for the shipping industry, the Port of Nevada has partnered with Union Pacific to introduce an intermodal service connecting Fernley, Nevada, to the Port of Oakland. This new inland ramp, which was announced on June 12, is set to revolutionize the way goods are transported between Northern Nevada and the West Coast.
Bridging the Gap: Rail Access from Reno to the West Coast
The introduction of direct rail access between the Port of Nevada, which is 25 minutes from Reno, and the West Coast is a game-changer for cargo freight shipping. This is a huge step forward for a region plagued by traffic congestion and unpredictable road conditions.
The new intermodal service provides a reliable alternative to trucking, which is often disrupted by traffic in the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley. The reliability of trucking can also be impacted by the time of year due to seasonal road construction and severe winter weather over Donner Pass. Rail service, however, is much more reliable.
The Port of Nevada is Foreign Train Zone ready and is dual-served by two Class 1 freight railroads: the Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railways. Using trains to transport containers not only reduces the uncertainties associated with road travel, but also offers environmental benefits by cutting down on truck traffic and associated emissions.
As the Port of Nevada website points out, trains only account for 2% of all transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Medium and heavy-duty trucks on the other hand account for nearly 25%. When considering that one train can carry 200 times the load of a truck and help free up roadways, it is easy to see how this new intermodal service can make a huge impact on the shipping container industry, particularly in Nevada.
Transporting More While Reducing Costs
One of the benefits of this new service is that rail cars are capable of transporting heavier shipping containers and are not held back by the same weight restrictions faced by trucks. Rail cars can accommodate containers weighing up to 60,000 pounds each, allowing for two containers per car. This increase in freight volume, combined with lower transportation costs and improved reliability when it comes to delivery, positions Northern Nevada as a competitive hub for businesses.
Containers arriving at the Port of Nevada from the Port of Oakland are shipped from global destinations, with the Port of Oakland receiving a substantial portion of its trade from Asia and Europe. In 2023, 70% of its total trade came from Asia while 15% came from Europe.
Once these containers reach Nevada, they are quickly and efficiently distributed to various businesses in the region, including the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center and numerous manufacturing and distribution facilities.
Boosting Local Economy and Export Capabilities
For several years, the Port of Nevada has been exporting commodities such as timothy hay and minerals mined in the state. The new intermodal service, however, will improve this process by enabling faster and more efficient export processes.
Industrial Realty Group is developing a six-acre container storage yard and a customs-bonded facility which will further streamline operations, allowing containers to clear customs in Northern Nevada rather than at the Port of Oakland. This shift significantly reduces the time and costs associated with demurrage, which is the length of time a shipping container sits in a terminal. This development will benefit both importers and exporters.
The strategic location and improved infrastructure of the Port of Nevada are also expected to attract advanced manufacturing businesses looking to expand in the United States. Nevada, which is already home to one of the country’s largest lithium mines, has already received multiple investments aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) battery production.
A Win for the Shipping Container Industry in Nevada
The Port of Nevada’s new intermodal service is a game-changing development for the region’s shipping industry. By providing a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to trucking, freight transport between Northern Nevada and the West Coast will be much more efficient. This initiative not only supports the local economy by attracting new advanced manufacturing businesses and investment opportunities, but it also boosts export capabilities, positioning Northern Nevada as a competitive hub in the national and global market.
As the Port of Nevada continues to develop and expand, it promises to bring more opportunities for businesses and the local community, solidifying Northern Nevada’s status as a key player in the distribution sector.
Expanding Opportunities with NorCal Containers
As the Port of Nevada revolutionizes logistics and shipping in the region, NorCal Containers is there for both businesses and individuals in the Nevada, California, and Oregon area looking to purchase a shipping container.
NorCal Containers offers a wide range of shipping container options to meet diverse needs. Whether you’re a business looking to expand your operations, or are searching for reliable storage, NorCal Containers has the expertise and inventory to help you succeed.
With the new logistics capabilities of the Port of Nevada, there’s never been a better time to explore the possibilities with NorCal Containers.
