Union Pacific Railroad has introduced the first and only dedicated intermodal rail service between Port of Houston Authority’s Barbours Cut Container Terminal, and Union Pacific’s Dallas Intermodal Terminal facility, located 12 miles from downtown Dallas in the city limits of Wilmer, TX. The central location of this rail facility and close proximity to the interstate system will allow a seamless connectivity between some of the largest distribution centers and population clusters in central Texas and Mid America to world markets.
Under the brand name “Texas Shuttle”, the service will provide shippers a reliable and “greener” transportation option at a competitive cost. Freight will be moved from North Texas, Dallas and all surrounding areas such as Oklahoma and Arkansas to markets in the Americas, Europe and beyond. Texas’ position as the foremost leader in international trade and as an efficient supply chain gateway is reinforced with the introduction of the Texas Shuttle. Texas is the leading export state in the nation for the 11th year in a row with over US $265.3 billion in Texas goods reaching the world. (Source: http://www.texaswideopenforbusiness.com/small-business/trade.php).
The initial service offering will be two days per week in each direction. The first northbound train departed on April 3rd, 2013.
Carbon Footprint Matters
Union Pacific provides a “greener” option for moving your cargo:
Barbours Cut Terminal, La Porte, Texas to Dallas Intermodal Terminal, Dallas, Texas
Estimated Rail Carbon Footprint = 1,970 metric tons CO2 equivalent (Rail, 273 miles)
Estimated Truck Carbon Footprint = 7,320 metric tons CO2 equivalent (Motor, 270 miles)
Union Pacific would reduce your carbon footprint by 5,350 tons.
This is equal to:
- The amount of carbon sequestered annually by 1,140 acres of pine or fir forests.
- The amount of carbon sequestered by 136,960 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
- To the greenhouse gas emissions avoided by recycling 1,862 tons of waste instead of sending it to the landfill.
(Source: Union Pacific — based on 20,800 units per year)
SOURCE OF PRESS RELEASE: Port of Houston Authority