Idaho Falls, ID Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

The Idaho Falls Rail Terminal, operated by Union Pacific Railroad, anchors the city’s rail infrastructure. The terminal complex includes the Idaho Falls Yard and the Northgate Industrial Park, handling bulk agricultural products, fertilizers, forest products, and manufactured goods with direct connections to Union Pacific’s transcontinental mainline.

Idaho Falls features a dedicated intermodal ramp and transload facility, supporting seamless transfer between railcars, trucks, and containers. The facility enables efficient movement of containerized agricultural exports, industrial inputs, and finished goods for regional shippers.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Idaho Falls’ rail network moves over 12 million tons of freight per year, supporting a regional economy valued at $8.5 billion. Rail operations directly and indirectly support more than 2,400 jobs, ranking Idaho Falls among the top three rail freight hubs in Idaho by volume and economic impact.

Competitive Landscape

• Union Pacific: Operates Idaho Falls Yard and mainline, providing daily manifest and unit train service to regional industries
• Savage Services: Manages transload and bulk transfer operations for agricultural and industrial shippers at Northgate Industrial Park
• Industrial Rail Access: Multiple industrial parks and sidings offer direct rail service to food processors, energy suppliers, and manufacturers

Opportunities

• Agricultural Exports: Growth in grain, potato, and fertilizer shipments drives demand for expanded rail capacity and intermodal services
• Energy Sector Expansion: New investments in nuclear and renewable energy projects increase inbound and outbound rail traffic
• Regional Distribution: Idaho Falls’ location attracts logistics and warehousing firms seeking efficient rail-truck connectivity

Challenges

• Infrastructure Age: Legacy yard and siding infrastructure requires modernization to handle heavier and longer trains
• Seasonal Peaks: Harvest and energy project cycles create congestion and scheduling challenges during peak shipping periods
• Limited Intermodal Reach: Absence of direct Class I intermodal service to West Coast ports limits containerized export options

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Agricultural Dominance: Grain, potatoes, and fertilizer comprise over 60% of outbound rail shipments annually
• Energy Materials: Inbound shipments of fuel, chemicals, and equipment support Idaho National Laboratory and regional utilities
• Regional Distribution: Growing volumes of consumer goods and building materials flow to and from Salt Lake City and Pacific Northwest

Future Outlook

• Yard Modernization: Planned upgrades to yard tracks and signaling will increase capacity and operational efficiency
• Intermodal Expansion: Feasibility studies underway for expanded container handling and direct West Coast port connections
• Energy Logistics: New rail-served facilities to support nuclear and renewable energy projects at Idaho National Laboratory

Recommendations

• Capacity Upgrades: Invest in yard expansion, siding extensions, and modern signaling to accommodate projected freight growth
• Intermodal Partnerships: Develop partnerships with Union Pacific and logistics providers to attract new container services
• Workforce Development: Expand training programs for rail operations, logistics, and maintenance to support regional job growth