Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
Chicago’s major rail terminal complex includes Union Station, Proviso Yard (Union Pacific), Cicero Yard (BNSF), Clearing Yard (Canadian National), and 47th Street Intermodal (CSX), serving containers, bulk, and automotive cargo with direct links to all major U.S. railroads.
Chicago’s intermodal facilities—such as BNSF’s Corwith and Logistics Park Chicago, CSX’s 59th Street, and Norfolk Southern’s Landers Yard—enable seamless transfer between rail, truck, and air, supporting high-volume containerized and bulk freight movement.
Market Size and Economic Impact
Chicago’s rail network handles over 550 million tons of freight annually, representing 25% of all U.S. rail traffic. The region’s rail and intermodal operations generate $23 billion in annual economic impact and support more than 38,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Competitive Landscape
- Union Pacific: Proviso Yard and Global intermodal terminals anchor westbound freight and automotive logistics
- BNSF Railway: Cicero Yard and Logistics Park Chicago drive containerized and bulk commodity throughput
- Canadian National: Clearing Yard and Schiller Park connect Midwest industries to Canadian and Gulf Coast markets
Opportunities
- E-commerce Expansion: Rising consumer demand drives intermodal volume and last-mile logistics growth
- Midwest Manufacturing: Regional industrial output boosts carload and bulk commodity shipments
- Infrastructure Modernization: CREATE Program and CHIP investments enhance capacity and operational efficiency
Challenges
- Congestion Bottlenecks: Dense rail traffic and legacy infrastructure create delays and scheduling challenges
- Aging Assets: Many yards and bridges require modernization to meet future freight and passenger demand
- Urban Constraints: Balancing rail expansion with city development and environmental sustainability remains complex
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Intermodal Surge: Container volumes up 5.7% year-over-year, led by e-commerce and retail supply chains
- Bulk Freight: Grain, chemicals, and steel shipments remain strong across regional corridors
- International Trade: NAFTA/USMCA and global imports drive cross-border and port-connected rail flows
Future Outlook
- CREATE Program: Ongoing $4.6 billion investment to relieve congestion and expand yard and corridor capacity
- Passenger Rail Upgrades: CHIP and Metra projects modernize Union Station and commuter infrastructure
- Sustainability Initiatives: Rail electrification and emissions reduction programs position Chicago for green growth
Recommendations
- Capacity Expansion: Accelerate CREATE and CHIP projects to address congestion and future freight demand
- Asset Renewal: Prioritize modernization of aging yards, bridges, and intermodal terminals for reliability
- Workforce Development: Invest in training and recruitment to support advanced rail operations and technology
Chicago area, IL
Chicago anchors the Midwest’s rail network, connecting 9.6 million metro residents to national corridors, ports, and distribution hubs. Its rail infrastructure supports regional supply chains and links the Great Lakes, Mississippi Valley, and Gulf Coast.
Chicago’s strategic location at the intersection of major east-west and north-south rail corridors provides direct access to Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf ports, making it the nation’s most critical rail gateway for domestic and international freight.
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Railroad Heritage: Chicago became America’s rail capital in the 1850s, with Union Station opening in 1925 as a national landmark
Facilities & Services
Geographic Crossroads: Located at the intersection of major east-west and north-south rail corridors, linking all U.S. coasts
Location Benefits
Industrial Powerhouse: Rail yards serve steel, chemicals, grain, and automotive industries, driving Midwest economic growth
Additional Information
Innovation Leadership: Home to the CREATE Program, pioneering congestion relief and advanced rail technology for future logistics