Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
Minidoka Rail Terminal Complex is anchored by the Union Pacific Minidoka Yard and Eastern Idaho Railroad interchange, operated by Watco since 1993. The terminal handles potatoes, wheat, barley, and bulk freight, with direct connections to UP’s transcontinental mainline.
Intermodal and bulk transfer facilities at Minidoka support seamless rail-to-truck operations for agricultural shippers. Specialized loading tracks and storage yards enable efficient movement of refrigerated and dry bulk cargo for regional and national distribution.
Market Size and Economic Impact
Minidoka’s rail infrastructure moves over 2 million tons of agricultural products each year, supporting a $1.2 billion regional farm economy. Rail operations directly and indirectly support more than 1,500 jobs, ranking among Idaho’s top three rail freight centers.
Competitive Landscape
- Union Pacific: Minidoka Yard serves as a key interchange for UP’s mainline and regional agricultural shipments
- Eastern Idaho Railroad: Watco’s EIRR connects 365 miles of branch lines, specializing in potatoes and grain
- Local Shippers: Major grain elevators and food processors utilize dedicated sidings for high-volume rail loading
Opportunities
- Agricultural Export Growth: Expanding potato and grain exports drive demand for additional rail capacity and service
- Industrial Development: New food processing plants and distribution centers seek direct rail access for inbound and outbound freight
- Regional Logistics: Enhanced intermodal transfer capabilities attract third-party logistics providers and bulk shippers
Challenges
- Infrastructure Age: Legacy track and yard facilities require ongoing upgrades to support modern rail equipment
- Seasonal Peaks: Harvest cycles create intense demand for railcars and loading capacity during peak months
- Rural Access: Limited highway connections can constrain truck-rail transfer efficiency for some shippers
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Potato Shipments: Minidoka is a leading origin for refrigerated potato railcars bound for national markets
- Grain Volumes: Wheat and barley exports remain strong, with seasonal surges in outbound bulk rail traffic
- Regional Distribution: Increasing use of rail for inbound fertilizer and farm supply shipments to local cooperatives
Future Outlook
- Capacity Expansion: Planned upgrades to yard tracks and loading facilities will increase throughput and efficiency
- Technology Integration: Implementation of real-time shipment tracking and automated car management systems
- Sustainability Initiatives: Rail operators pursue fuel efficiency and emissions reduction programs for agricultural freight
Recommendations
- Yard Modernization: Invest in track upgrades, loading equipment, and storage capacity to meet future demand
- Digital Systems: Adopt advanced shipment visibility and scheduling platforms for shippers and carriers
- Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local governments and industry to support workforce development and infrastructure funding
Minidoka, ID
Minidoka anchors the eastern Idaho rail corridor, connecting the Burley-Rupert micropolitan area with Union Pacific’s national network and supporting agricultural exports to western U.S. cities and Pacific ports through integrated rail logistics.
Strategically located at the intersection of Union Pacific’s transcontinental mainline and Eastern Idaho Railroad’s branch network, Minidoka provides direct access to western U.S. markets and efficient connections to Pacific Northwest ports.
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Railroad Origins: Minidoka was founded in 1883 as a Union Pacific watering station on the Oregon Short Line, fueling regional growth
Facilities & Services
Snake River Plain: Located in Idaho’s fertile agricultural heartland, supporting major potato and grain production
Location Benefits
Farm Economy: Rail shipments drive a $1.2 billion agricultural sector, with potatoes, wheat, and barley as leading commodities
Additional Information
Interchange Advantage: Minidoka’s UP-EIRR interchange enables efficient bulk transfers and access to national rail corridors