Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
The BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility, located in Haslet, is the centerpiece of the Alliance Global Logistics Hub. Operated by BNSF Railway, it handles international and domestic containers, trailers, and bulk commodities, with direct connections to Union Pacific and major highways.
Alliance’s intermodal complex features advanced transfer capabilities for seamless rail-truck movements, supporting 24/7 operations. The facility averages 2,700 lifts per day, with a record of 3,900, and offers direct lanes to Houston, Denver, Chicago, and the West Coast.
Market Size and Economic Impact
AllianceTexas moves over 835,000 containers annually through its rail terminals and supports 81,300 jobs. The logistics hub contributed $12.2 billion to the Texas economy in 2018, with 37,600 jobs directly tied to rail and industrial activities, ranking among the top U.S. FTZs.
Competitive Landscape
- BNSF Railway: Operates the Alliance Intermodal Facility, handling over 1 million lifts per year with expansion capacity
- Union Pacific: Provides direct rail service to Alliance, connecting to national and cross-border corridors
- Hillwood Development: Manages AllianceTexas, supporting over 560 firms and 30 million square feet of industrial space
Opportunities
- E-commerce Expansion: Alliance’s central location attracts major distribution centers and last-mile logistics investments
- Data Center Growth: 400-acre campus and new speculative builds support technology and cloud infrastructure demand
- Cross-Border Trade: Enhanced lanes to Mexico and Houston drive NAFTA/USMCA-related intermodal volume increases
Challenges
- Infrastructure Strain: Rapid volume growth challenges rail and terminal capacity, requiring ongoing upgrades
- Labor Availability: Recruiting and retaining skilled logistics workers remains a persistent operational issue
- Market Volatility: Fluctuations in global trade and supply chain disruptions impact throughput and planning
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Intermodal Surge: Domestic and international container volumes continue to rise year-over-year
- Distribution Hub: Growth in retail, e-commerce, and consumer goods drives regional rail demand
- Energy Shipments: Increased movement of oil, gas, and industrial materials through Alliance’s rail corridors
Future Outlook
- Terminal Expansions: Planned increases in intermodal lift capacity and new speculative industrial buildings
- Automation Initiatives: Adoption of advanced robotics and digital systems to streamline logistics operations
- Green Logistics: Investments in sustainable infrastructure and energy-efficient warehousing for future growth
Recommendations
- Capacity Upgrades: Expand rail and terminal infrastructure to support projected volume increases
- Workforce Development: Partner with local institutions to train and retain skilled logistics professionals
- Technology Integration: Accelerate adoption of automation and digital supply chain management platforms
Alliance, TX
Alliance, TX connects the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with national rail corridors, serving a population of over 7 million and linking the region to Mexico, the Midwest, and the West Coast through integrated rail, highway, and air cargo networks.
Strategically located at the intersection of I-35W and major rail lines, Alliance serves as a gateway for freight moving between Mexico, the Midwest, and the West Coast, with direct access to Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport and Foreign Trade Zone 196.
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Rail Arrival: Alliance’s intermodal facility opened in 1994, quadrupling its lift volume over 30 years of continuous expansion
Facilities & Services
Geographic Advantage: Located at the crossroads of I-35W and major rail lines, Alliance links Texas to national and cross-border markets
Location Benefits
Economic Engine: The logistics hub supports 81,300 jobs and $12.2 billion in annual economic output, driving regional growth
Additional Information
Innovation Cluster: Alliance hosts over 560 firms, including major distribution centers and a 400-acre data center campus, fostering logistics innovation