BNSF Railway has officially opened a new 43-acre intermodal facility in Salt Lake City, a move expected to enhance freight connectivity between California and Utah while increasing regional supply chain efficiency.
At a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Governor Spencer Cox, state legislators, and industry leaders joined BNSF Railway, Patriot Rail, and the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) to mark the milestone. The new facility is located just five miles from Salt Lake City International Airport and is strategically positioned to support BNSF’s recently launched intermodal service linking California and Salt Lake City.
Tom Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at BNSF Railway, emphasized the role of the new hub in addressing evolving freight demand. “This new facility is an exciting opportunity to improve our capacity and efficiency as the industry’s intermodal leader, providing more flexible, competitive options for our customers,” he said. “We are grateful for Patriot Rail and UIPA’s partnership, as this new facility will strengthen our supply chains from the West Coast to Utah and beyond.”
Intermodal freight—moving cargo in containers via rail, truck, or ship without handling the freight itself—has gained traction for its efficiency and cost advantages. BNSF’s new Salt Lake City facility is designed to streamline operations, reduce dwell times, and provide new competitive options for shippers in the region.
Terminal operations and infrastructure at the site will be managed by Patriot Rail, which has been closely coordinating with BNSF to ensure seamless integration of services. Brandy Christian, CEO of Patriot Rail, pointed to the long-term value of the collaboration. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to smart, scalable infrastructure. By working together with BNSF and UIPA, we’ve delivered a project that not only meets the demands of today’s economy but also positions Utah for long-term success in the global logistics arena.”
The facility launch comes at a time when logistics professionals are increasingly focused on strengthening inland connectivity and reducing bottlenecks along key trade corridors. With California ports continuing to handle large volumes of containerized cargo, inland hubs like Salt Lake City are becoming vital pressure valves to ease congestion and improve cargo velocity across the U.S. interior.
In recent years, Utah has been actively investing in infrastructure that supports regional and national freight flows. The collaboration between the state’s inland port authority and Class I rail operators illustrates a broader push to develop multi-modal solutions that meet environmental and economic goals alike.
“This is a significant moment for Utah’s economy,” said Abby Osborne, board chair for the Utah Inland Port Authority and chief of staff for the Utah House of Representatives. “By increasing intermodal capacity and introducing new competition, we’re creating more opportunity for Utah manufacturers, shippers, and communities. This expansion supports our broader vision to make Utah a national leader in resilient, efficient, and forward-thinking logistics.”
The new facility is expected to serve as a critical node in the West Coast–Mountain West supply chain, offering improved access to rail services for shippers previously dependent on long-haul trucking. Industry stakeholders anticipate that this shift will not only reduce costs but also help meet emissions reduction targets by shifting more freight from road to rail.
With the opening of the Salt Lake City intermodal facility, BNSF Railway and its partners aim to support long-term freight growth and respond to evolving demands in domestic and international trade
