Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
The BNSF Hauser Refueling Facility, opened in 2004, is a major rail terminal complex located near Rathdrum, Idaho. Operated by BNSF Railway, it features extensive fuel storage, locomotive servicing, and routine maintenance capabilities for transcontinental freight trains.
Hauser’s state-of-the-art intermodal and refueling facility enables rapid locomotive fueling, crew changes, and light repairs. The site’s design supports seamless integration with BNSF’s mainline and regional truck corridors, optimizing freight movement efficiency.
Market Size and Economic Impact
BNSF’s Hauser terminal supports more than 7 million gallons of diesel fuel transfers monthly, with over 250,000 gallons dispensed daily. The facility underpins Idaho’s $86.7 million annual rail payroll and supports over 670 rail jobs statewide, ranking among the largest rail operations in the Inland Northwest.
Competitive Landscape
- BNSF Railway: Hauser Refueling Facility serves as a critical fueling and maintenance hub for transcontinental freight
- Union Pacific: Competes regionally with 872 miles of Idaho track and over 87,000 annual carloads originated in 2024
- Regional Rail: Hauser’s proximity to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene strengthens its role as a logistics center for the Pacific Northwest
Opportunities
- Transcontinental Corridor: Hauser’s location on BNSF’s Northern Transcon supports growing intermodal and bulk freight volumes
- Energy Transition: Opportunities for alternative fuels and emissions reduction at the refueling facility
- Regional Distribution: Expansion potential for warehousing and transload services to serve Idaho and Washington markets
Challenges
- Environmental Compliance: Ongoing monitoring and upgrades required after 2004 wastewater spill incident
- Capacity Management: High train volumes require efficient scheduling and infrastructure maintenance
- Labor Availability: Recruiting and retaining skilled rail workers remains a challenge in the region
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Intermodal Growth: Increasing demand for seamless truck-rail transfer and distribution services
- Bulk Commodities: Strong volumes in grain, lumber, and fertilizer shipments through the Hauser corridor
- Regional Connectivity: Enhanced links to Spokane, Seattle, and Midwest markets drive sustained rail traffic
Future Outlook
- Facility Modernization: Planned upgrades to fueling systems and locomotive servicing infrastructure
- Network Integration: Enhanced coordination with regional short lines and intermodal partners
- Environmental Initiatives: Implementation of advanced spill prevention and emissions reduction technologies
Recommendations
- Capacity Expansion: Invest in additional fueling lanes and yard tracks to accommodate future train volumes
- Workforce Development: Strengthen training and recruitment programs for skilled rail operations staff
- Community Engagement: Maintain transparent communication and environmental stewardship with local stakeholders
Hauser, ID
Hauser anchors the northern Idaho rail network, connecting the Pacific Northwest to transcontinental corridors and serving metropolitan areas including Spokane, Seattle, and Chicago through integrated BNSF and Union Pacific operations.
Hauser’s strategic location on BNSF’s Northern Transcon provides direct access to Seattle, Chicago, and the Midwest, serving as a vital gateway for Pacific Northwest freight and a key node in North American rail logistics.
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Rail Gateway: Hauser became a major rail hub in 2004 with the opening of BNSF’s flagship refueling facility
Facilities & Services
Aquifer Proximity: Located above the Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, a critical regional water source
Location Benefits
Agricultural Heartland: Supports grain, timber, and fertilizer shipments from Idaho’s productive farming and forestry sectors
Additional Information
Operational Scale: Hauser’s facility dispenses over 7 million gallons of fuel monthly, ranking among the largest rail refueling sites in North America