Fort Wayne, IN Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

Fort Wayne’s primary rail terminal complex centers on the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad (CFER) Fort Wayne Yard, operated by Genesee & Wyoming, with connections to CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Indiana Northeastern Railroad. The yard handles mixed freight, bulk commodities, and industrial goods, serving as a key interchange for regional and national rail traffic.

The Fort Wayne Intermodal Logistics Center, located south of the city along the CFER Fort Wayne Line, offers modern transfer capabilities for containers, bulk, and breakbulk cargo. The facility supports seamless rail-to-truck operations, with capacity for up to four additional daily freight trains, enhancing supply chain efficiency for regional manufacturers and distributors.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Fort Wayne’s rail infrastructure moves over 20 million tons of freight annually, supporting a regional economy valued at $7.5 billion. Rail operations and related logistics generate more than 4,500 full-time jobs, with projected growth tied to the Midwest Connect Corridor. The city ranks among Indiana’s top three rail freight centers, driving industrial development and regional connectivity.

Competitive Landscape

• CSX Transportation: Operates the east-west mainline and interchanges at Fort Wayne Yard, supporting bulk and intermodal freight flows
• Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern Railroad: Manages the Fort Wayne Line and yard operations, providing regional switching and Class I interchange
• Norfolk Southern Railway: Connects via secondary lines and interchange points, facilitating automotive, agricultural, and manufacturing shipments

Opportunities

• Midwest Connect Expansion: FRA Corridor ID grant positions Fort Wayne for new passenger and freight rail investments and service growth
• Industrial Park Development: Rail-served sites attract advanced manufacturing, food processing, and logistics firms seeking multimodal access
• Regional Distribution: Enhanced intermodal capacity supports e-commerce, retail, and agricultural exports to Midwest and Eastern U.S. markets

Challenges

• Infrastructure Limitations: Single-track segments and aging yard facilities constrain throughput and operational flexibility
• Urban Encroachment: Residential and commercial growth near rail corridors increases noise, safety, and land use challenges
• Weather Impacts: Severe Midwest storms and winter conditions can disrupt rail schedules and terminal operations

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Intermodal Growth: Rising container volumes driven by regional manufacturing and e-commerce fulfillment
• Bulk Freight Stability: Continued strength in grain, steel, and chemical shipments supporting local industry
• Corridor Connectivity: Expanding links to Chicago, Columbus, and Pittsburgh boost long-haul and regional rail traffic

Future Outlook

• Midwest Connect Corridor: Planned passenger rail service will increase freight capacity and regional connectivity
• Yard Modernization: Upgrades to Fort Wayne Yard and intermodal facilities will support higher throughput and advanced logistics
• Green Logistics: Sustainability initiatives and cleaner rail technologies position Fort Wayne for future growth in eco-friendly freight

Recommendations

• Capacity Expansion: Invest in double-tracking and yard modernization to accommodate rising freight and intermodal volumes
• Technology Integration: Deploy advanced signaling, automation, and data analytics for improved operational efficiency and safety
• Workforce Development: Partner with local colleges and technical schools to train the next generation of rail and logistics professionals