Pocatello, ID Railyards

Overview of the Intermodal Railyards

Union Pacific’s Pocatello Yard serves as the primary rail terminal, handling bulk agricultural commodities, fertilizers, forest products, and manufactured goods. The terminal is a critical crew change and branch line hub, with direct connections to the Savage Rail Port of Southern Idaho and Eastern Idaho Railroad.

The Savage Rail Port of Southern Idaho, opened in 2021, is a 27-acre intermodal facility enabling seamless transfer of containerized agricultural products between truck and rail. The site features advanced stacking equipment and direct rail access to Union Pacific’s mainline.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Pocatello’s rail infrastructure moves over 10 million tons of freight annually, supporting more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs. The region’s rail and logistics sector generates an estimated $1.2 billion in annual economic impact, ranking among the top inland rail hubs in the Pacific Northwest.

Competitive Landscape

• Union Pacific: Operates the main Pocatello Yard, a major crew change and classification point for transcontinental freight
• Savage Services: Manages the 27-acre intermodal terminal, specializing in agricultural container exports and transloading
• Eastern Idaho Railroad: Provides regional short line service, connecting local industries to the national rail network

Opportunities

• Agricultural Export Growth: New intermodal capacity expands access for Idaho hay, potatoes, and grains to global markets
• Pacific Northwest Port Access: Direct rail service to Seattle-Tacoma and Portland boosts regional export competitiveness
• Industrial Development: Rail-served sites attract food processing, fertilizer, and manufacturing investments to the region

Challenges

• Infrastructure Age: Legacy yard and track assets require ongoing modernization to handle rising freight volumes
• Labor Availability: Recruiting and retaining skilled rail and logistics workers remains a persistent challenge
• Weather Impacts: Harsh winters and flooding can disrupt rail operations and supply chain reliability

Trade and Logistics Trends

• Containerized Ag Exports: Steady growth in hay, potatoes, and specialty crops shipped in containers
• Bulk Fertilizer Imports: Continued demand for inbound fertilizer and ag chemicals supporting regional farming
• Regional Rail Service: Expanded rail connections to Pacific Northwest ports and Midwest distribution centers

Future Outlook

• Intermodal Expansion: Planned growth of the Savage terminal to increase container throughput and rail capacity
• Yard Modernization: Union Pacific investments in yard automation and track upgrades to boost efficiency
• Workforce Development: Regional training initiatives to address skilled labor shortages in rail and logistics

Recommendations

• Yard Upgrades: Prioritize modernization of Pocatello Yard and branch line infrastructure for future growth
• Intermodal Marketing: Expand outreach to regional shippers to maximize use of new container and transload services
• Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage state and federal funding for rail improvements and workforce training