Hammond, IN Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

Hammond’s primary rail terminal complex includes the CSX Barr Yard, Norfolk Southern’s Gibson Yard, and the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad’s Blue Island Yard. These facilities handle intermodal containers, bulk commodities, and automotive shipments, connecting with CSX, NS, CN, and IHB mainlines.

Intermodal operations feature the CSX Barr Yard’s dedicated intermodal ramp, NS Gibson Yard’s automotive and container transfer, and IHB’s switching services. Facilities offer seamless rail-truck transfer, on-site warehousing, and advanced yard management systems.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Hammond’s rail network moves over 150 million gross tons of freight annually, ranking among the top five U.S. rail hubs. The sector supports more than 7,000 regional jobs and generates an estimated $2.2 billion in annual economic impact, serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

Competitive Landscape

• CSX Transportation: Barr Yard processes unit trains, intermodal, and bulk commodities with direct Chicago access
• Norfolk Southern: Gibson Yard specializes in automotive, container, and manifest freight with national corridor links
• Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad: Blue Island Yard provides switching, interchange, and terminal services for Class I and regional railroads

Opportunities

• Midwest Distribution: Growth in e-commerce and warehousing drives demand for intermodal and bulk rail services
• Automotive Logistics: Expansion of regional assembly plants increases automotive rail shipments and specialized handling
• Infrastructure Modernization: Federal and state investments target yard upgrades, grade separation, and digital automation

Challenges

• Congestion Management: High train volumes and at-grade crossings cause frequent delays and operational bottlenecks
• Urban Encroachment: Residential and commercial development pressures limit yard expansion and buffer zones
• Safety Compliance: Increased regulatory requirements for grade crossings and hazardous materials handling impact operations

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Intermodal Expansion: Rising container volumes from Midwest distribution centers and Chicago gateway
• Bulk Freight Stability: Continued strength in steel, chemicals, and agricultural commodities
• Regional Connectivity: Enhanced links to national corridors and Canadian/Mexican trade routes

Future Outlook

• Yard Expansions: Planned upgrades to Barr and Gibson Yards will increase capacity and improve throughput
• Technology Integration: Implementation of automated switching and real-time tracking systems
• Sustainability Initiatives: Investments in cleaner locomotives and energy-efficient yard operations

Recommendations

• Capacity Enhancement: Expand yard footprints and track infrastructure to accommodate future freight growth
• Digital Systems: Deploy advanced yard management and predictive analytics for operational efficiency
• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with local governments to address congestion and safety concerns