Plummer, ID Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

The Plummer Rail Terminal, operated by BNSF Railway, anchors the southern end of the BNSF Kootenai River Subdivision and connects with the St. Maries River Railroad, handling forest products, grain, and bulk commodities for regional shippers

Intermodal and transload facilities in Plummer provide direct transfer between railcars and trucks, enabling efficient movement of logs, agricultural products, and industrial materials to and from the BNSF mainline and local industries

Market Size and Economic Impact

Plummer’s rail infrastructure supports over 2 million tons of freight per year, generating an estimated $120 million in direct and indirect economic impact and sustaining more than 250 jobs in Benewah County and the surrounding region

Competitive Landscape

• BNSF Railway: Operates the Kootenai River Subdivision mainline and Plummer Yard, providing transcontinental freight service
• St. Maries River Railroad: Shortline operator interchanging with BNSF, specializing in timber, wood products, and agricultural shipments
• Regional Shippers: Local cooperatives and mills utilize Plummer’s rail access for cost-effective outbound and inbound logistics

Opportunities

• Timber Industry Expansion: Increased demand for lumber and wood products drives higher outbound rail volumes and new mill investments
• Agricultural Growth: Grain and pulse crop production in the Palouse region fuels additional rail shipments and transload activity
• Cross-Border Trade: Proximity to Washington and Canadian markets creates opportunities for expanded north-south freight corridors

Challenges

• Infrastructure Limitations: Single-track segments and limited siding lengths constrain train size and yard throughput
• Labor Availability: Recruiting and retaining skilled rail and logistics workers remains a persistent operational challenge
• Weather Impacts: Winter snow and spring flooding can disrupt rail service and increase maintenance requirements

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Timber Shipments: Strong outbound volumes of logs, lumber, and wood chips to Pacific Northwest and Midwest markets
• Grain Movements: Seasonal surges in wheat, barley, and pulse crop exports from regional elevators
• Shortline Interchange: Growing reliance on shortline connections for first-mile and last-mile rural freight service

Future Outlook

• Yard Expansion: Planned siding extensions and yard upgrades to accommodate longer trains and higher volumes
• Digital Integration: Implementation of real-time tracking and scheduling systems for improved efficiency
• Green Logistics: Initiatives to reduce emissions and promote sustainable rail operations in partnership with local industries

Recommendations

• Capacity Upgrades: Invest in additional sidings and yard tracks to support projected freight growth and reduce congestion
• Workforce Development: Partner with local colleges and technical schools to train the next generation of rail and logistics professionals
• Regional Marketing: Promote Plummer’s rail connectivity to attract new shippers and diversify the industrial base