Small-Road Briefs: Precision Terminal Logistics, Iowa Interstate Railroad

PTL photo

Precision Terminal Logistics (PTL) enters into an agreement with Norfolk Southern (NS) to operate the Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer (TBT) Terminal in Louisville, Ky. Also, the Iowa Interstate Railroad (IAIS) breaks ground on a Renewable Energy Distribution Center in Newton, Iowa.

PTL

PTL on May 2 announced a recent agreement with NS to operate the rail network’s TBT Terminal in Louisville, Ky. At the Class I’s terminal, PTL will provide customized transloading services for various shippers.

The facility holds 75 total railcar spots and is located less than one mile from Highway I-264 at 595 N. 34th Street in Louisville, Ky. The TBT location, PTL says, provides access to not only the immediate Louisville market, but also Cincinnati, Ohio, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Owensboro, Ky.

According to PTL, the Louisville terminal has the capabilities to handle HAZMAT and non-HAZMAT materials, dry and liquid bulk products, food grade products, aggregates, lumber, plastics, and other dry bulk materials. It also houses a certified truck scale.

“Norfolk Southern and PTL have been working on developing this project for quite some time and we are honored to have been selected,” said PTL Vice President of Commercial Development Jason Hodge. “As a company, we are excited for the opportunity to grow and provide much needed transload and logistics services to the Louisville market. Not only will we deliver for this TBT, but it will also enhance the longstanding relationships we have with rail yards across the country.”

As operations ramp up, PTL says it will continue coordinating directly with NS Rail Integrated Solutions (RIS), a division of its Business Development and First and Final Mile Markets Department.

“Over the past year, we have assessed our network’s Thoroughbred Bulk Transfer facilities with a focus on enhancing efficiency and fostering growth,” said NS Director of Rail Integrated Solutions Ashley King. “Precision Terminal Logistics has proposed a strategy aligning with three key objectives for our TBT network: enhancing operational safety, improving customer service and relationships, and driving sales and business development. Norfolk Southern looks forward to growing our partnership with PTL to move more freight for our customers and the global economy.”

IAIS

IAIS on May 2 announced the groundbreaking of a “cutting-edge” Renewable Energy Distribution Center in Newtown, Iowa, marking the company’s “commitment to advancing clean energy infrastructure in the region.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of N 33rd Ave E & E 28th St N, bringing together key stakeholders, community leaders, and project partners to celebrate the commencement of this pivotal project.

Key Features of the Renewable Energy Distribution Center include:

• “Green Energy Integration: The center will leverage the latest technologies to facilitate the efficient distribution of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
• “Job Creation: The project is expected to support and create employment opportunities in the local community, fostering economic growth and providing skilled jobs in the renewable energy sector.
• “Community Impact: IAIS is committed to community engagement and will actively collaborate with local organizations to ensure the positive impact of the center on the surrounding area.”

“This project is the latest example in our proud history of consistently investing in our infrastructure on the Iowa Interstate Railroad to serve our customers’ needs,” said IAIS Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Carrie Evans. “This new distribution center at Newton—a 100% private sector investment—will provide wind energy shippers a first-class facility to safely transload and store their components. With our unique connections to every Class I carrier, we are excited about the benefits our distribution center will provide to customers by enhancing wind energy supply chain efficiencies both into and out of Iowa.”