Iowa Pacific, Rail Logistics announce partnership

Rail Logistics and Iowa Pacific Holdings on Monday jointly announced a partnership in which Rail Logistics will manage, operate, and market Iowa Pacific's refrigerated railcar fleet. The venture began May 1.

The refrigerated railcar fleet totals 150 cars. Iowa Pacific has ordered an additional 100 64-ft. refrigerated boxcars, which will be added to the fleet in 2013. All cars in the Iowa Pacific fleet are electronically tracked and internal temperatures are monitored to ensure product quality on delivery, the companies said.

Rail Logistics has managed and operated the Produce Shippers Rail Car Pool Program for the state of Washington since 2006. In early 2010, Rail Logistics launched the “Cold Train” Pacific Northwest-Chicagoland Express Refrigerated Intermodal Service in partnership with BNSF and the Port of Quincy in Washington State.

“Rail Logistics is excited about our new partnership with Iowa Pacific. Our team will add expertise and experience to help maximize the utilization of Iowa Pacific’s refrigerated railcar fleet. We look forward to many years of continued growth,” said Rail Logistics President Steve Lawson.

“The partnership with Rail Logistics will enable us to deploy our expanded car fleet beyond our traditional Colorado potato business,” said Steve Gregory, executive vice president Marketing for Iowa Pacific. “With tight truck capacity and high fuel prices, we think there is a solid market for refrigerated rail transportation.”

Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings operates several short lines under subsidiary Permian Basin Railways.