Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
Union Pacific’s Dupo Yard anchors the region’s largest intermodal rail terminal, spanning over 1,000 acres along Admiral Parkway. The facility supports bulk, container, and automotive cargo, with direct connections to BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis.
Dupo’s intermodal complex features advanced transfer capabilities for containers, bulk commodities, and automotive units. The yard’s proximity to I-255 and river terminals enables seamless multimodal integration for efficient regional and national distribution.
Market Size and Economic Impact
Dupo’s rail infrastructure moves more than 400,000 carloads annually, supporting over 1,500 regional jobs and generating an estimated $1.2 billion in economic impact. The area ranks among the top five Midwest rail hubs, with ongoing investments driving industrial growth.
Competitive Landscape
- Union Pacific: Dupo Yard is a major Midwest intermodal hub, handling bulk, container, and automotive shipments
- Terminal Railroad Association: Provides switching and interchange services, connecting six Class I railroads
- Regional Development: Over 1,000 acres of rail-served industrial land, with direct highway and river access for shippers
Opportunities
- Industrial Expansion: New rail-served sites and infrastructure upgrades attract manufacturing and logistics investment
- Intermodal Growth: Rising container volumes and automotive shipments drive demand for expanded yard capacity
- Regional Connectivity: Enhanced highway and rail links position Dupo as a preferred gateway for Midwest distribution
Challenges
- Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Limited yard capacity and track congestion during peak periods impact throughput
- Highway Access: Ongoing interchange construction can temporarily disrupt truck and rail flows
- Land Development: Balancing industrial expansion with environmental and community concerns remains a challenge
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Intermodal Surge: Containerized freight volumes continue to climb, led by Midwest manufacturing and retail
- Automotive Logistics: Growth in vehicle shipments supports regional assembly and distribution centers
- Bulk Commodities: Steady demand for agricultural and chemical exports through St. Louis corridor
Future Outlook
- Capacity Expansion: Planned yard upgrades and new track alignments will increase throughput and efficiency
- Technology Integration: Advanced yard management systems and automation improve operational reliability
- Sustainability Initiatives: Environmental upgrades and green logistics programs support long-term growth
Recommendations
- Yard Modernization: Invest in new tracks, intermodal equipment, and automation to boost capacity and reliability
- Regional Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration with industrial developers and logistics providers for growth
- Environmental Stewardship: Implement green infrastructure and emissions reduction strategies for sustainable operations
Dupo, IL
Dupo connects the St. Louis metropolitan area with national rail networks, serving over 2.8 million residents and supporting freight flows across the Midwest, South, and Gulf Coast through integrated rail, highway, and river corridors.
Dupo’s location at the intersection of major east-west and north-south rail corridors provides direct access to St. Louis, Chicago, and southern U.S. markets. Its proximity to the Mississippi River and I-255 positions it as a strategic gateway for NAFTA/USMCA trade and Midwest distribution.
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Railroad Origins: Dupo’s rail history began in the early 1900s with Missouri Pacific’s yard expansion, fueling local growth
Facilities & Services
Strategic Location: Adjacent to the Mississippi River and I-255, Dupo links St. Louis to national freight corridors
Location Benefits
Industrial Drivers: Automotive, chemical, and agricultural sectors rely on Dupo’s rail hub for efficient distribution
Additional Information
Operational Advantage: Union Pacific’s Dupo Yard connects six Class I railroads, enabling seamless interchange and logistics