NS’s Bulk Transfer Terminal Earns Top Spot on Transloading List

Norfolk Southern Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer facility in Elizabeth, N.J. (Photograph Courtesy of NS)

Norfolk Southern’s (NS) Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer (TBT) terminal in Elizabeth, N.J., has ranked No. 1 on the Commtrex Top 10 Transloading list.

The annual list is based on positive user engagement in the Commtrex Transload Marketplace, according to Commtrex, which describes itself as “a tech-enabled rail logistics and fleet management services provider” that has partnered with all seven Class I railroads and includes more than 3,500 active members, with more than 1,500 shippers. The Transload Marketplace is an online transloader locating service that “automatically matches transloading companies to shippers based on a shipper’s needs.” It is said to connect with hundreds of “pre-screened Commtrex verified” transloaders across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

NS on Dec. 14 reported that its Elizabeth, N.J. TBT was selected out of 1,700 transload locations represented on Commtrex. Servicing the New York City and New Jersey markets, it offers 167 railcar spots and receives daily switching from NS’ Croxton Yard. The terminal currently handles such commodities as lumber, dry and liquid chemicals, and food-grade products. Additionally, it has a 10-plus acre laydown area; 15,000-square-foot warehouse with three rail dock doors; designated area for spill containment that can accommodate 15 railcars; and a grain container tower. The terminal also includes railcar steam service, air compressors, pumps, conveyors, front-end loaders, forklifts and a certified scale, according to the Class I railroad. NS offers 44 TBT locations (see map below).

“As we aim to compete for more flexible freight business—the fastest-growing segment of the $860 billion U.S. truck and logistics market—TBTs are critically important to the NS franchise and our growth strategy,” NS said. “Congratulations to all involved in earning this sought-after ranking and keep up the great work!”

NS signed on with Commtrex earlier this year to help connect shippers with its U.S. transload facilities.

The other Top 10 list honorees are:

2. TRANSFLO—Philadelphia, Pa. (TRANSFLO)

3. Texas Deepwater Terminal, USD Group, Houston, Tex.

4. Ventura Transfer, LAJ Commerce (BNSF Premier), Commerce, Calif.

5. Savage Transload (KCS Transload), Westlake, La.

6. Stockton Terminal  & Eastern Railroad (OmniTRAX), Stockton, Calif.

7. Loup Logistics—Denver, Colo. (Loup Logistics)

8. CN Montréal CargoFlo (CN Distribution Services), Montréal, QC

9. CPT ST Luc (Canadian Pacific), Côte Saint-Luc, QC

10. Marion Industrial Rail Park (Jaguar Transport Holdings), Marion, Ohio

In related developments, Railinc, in collaboration with Commtrex, now offers LMaaS (Logistics Management as a Service)—outsourced logistics and fleet management services—to customers.