The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) and Heniff Transportation Systems, LLC have joined forces to unveil a new $3 million Transloading Industrial Park in New Orleans East, aimed at boosting business growth through enhanced rail infrastructure. Located on Terminal Road, this new facility promises to streamline the movement of goods between trucks and trains, offering faster freight transport across the U.S., particularly to its heartland.
Ronald Wendel, Acting President & CEO of Port NOLA and NOPB, expressed enthusiasm about Heniff’s involvement, highlighting the partnership’s potential to enhance the efficiency of the global supply chain. “Together we will ensure products are moved more efficiently through the global supply chain while also driving economic growth in and beyond this region,” he said.
Heniff will manage the transloading services at the facility, offering multi-modal shipping solutions for both liquid and dry bulk products. This addition to Heniff’s network, which already includes 44 transload locations across North America, positions them as a key player in handling roughly 20,000 rail cars annually. The new park complements Heniff’s existing operations for liquid bulk services, making it a strategic asset in expanding their service offerings.
Bob Heniff, Founder and CEO of Heniff Transportation Systems, emphasized the competitive edge provided by the new facility. He praised the partnership with NOPB and Port NOLA, noting how the park’s strategic location and improved infrastructure will enhance service quality for their customers.
The $3 million project was funded through a combination of a $1.5 million grant from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Shortline Railroad Priority Program and a $1.5 million match from NOPB. Julia Fisher-Cormier, Commissioner of LADOTD, highlighted the importance of this investment, underscoring how the NOPB’s inland connections are vital for ensuring that products reach homes and businesses efficiently across the nation.
Tomeka Watson Bryant, NOPB General Manager, noted the broader economic impact of the Transloading Industrial Park. She pointed out that the project not only improves freight mobility but also creates job opportunities and stimulates regional economic growth.
