Overview of the Intermodal Railyards
The St. Maries River Railroad Terminal, operated by the St. Maries River Railroad (STMA), features a main yard complex with multiple sidings, engine and car shops, and direct interchange to Union Pacific at Plummer. The terminal primarily handles finished lumber, logs, and garnet sand, serving PotlatchDeltic and other local mills.
Intermodal capabilities at St. Maries include car storage, locomotive rebuilds, and specialized transfer facilities for bulk forest products. The yard’s engine and car shops support regional rolling stock maintenance, while sidings accommodate seasonal surges and car storage for third-party operators.
Market Size and Economic Impact
Maries handles over 100,000 tons of finished lumber and forest products annually, supporting more than 150 direct jobs and hundreds of indirect positions in Benewah County. The rail hub’s economic impact exceeds $25 million per year, ranking among Idaho’s top shortline freight centers.
Competitive Landscape
- St. Maries River Railroad: 71 miles of Class III trackage, engine/car shops, and interchange with Union Pacific at Plummer
- Union Pacific: Provides Class I connectivity for outbound lumber, inbound supplies, and regional car storage contracts
- PotlatchDeltic: Major shipper utilizing dedicated sidings for finished lumber, logs, and outbound bulk commodity movements
Opportunities
- Forest Products Expansion: Growing demand for sustainable lumber and wood products drives outbound rail shipments
- Car Storage Services: Increased regional need for rolling stock storage and maintenance supports new business lines
- Excursion Rail Potential: Plans for passenger excursions and heritage tourism offer diversification opportunities
Challenges
- Volume Decline: Reduced log and garnet shipments have lowered overall rail traffic and revenue
- Infrastructure Aging: Track and bridge maintenance needs challenge operational reliability and future growth
- Market Concentration: Reliance on forest products exposes the hub to cyclical industry downturns
Trade and Logistics Trends
- Forest Products: Lumber and wood products remain the dominant outbound commodity for the region
- Car Storage: Seasonal surges in rolling stock storage support regional rail operators
- Excursion Rail: Heritage tourism and passenger excursions are emerging as new market segments
Future Outlook
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Planned track and bridge improvements to support heavier railcars and increased volume
- Excursion Development: Heritage passenger rail initiatives to diversify revenue and attract tourism
- Maintenance Expansion: Enhanced engine and car shop capabilities to serve regional shortline and Class I operators
Recommendations
- Track Rehabilitation: Invest in bridge and track upgrades to accommodate 286,000 lb railcars and future growth
- Diversification: Expand excursion rail and car storage services to reduce reliance on forest products
- Regional Partnerships: Strengthen collaboration with Union Pacific and local shippers for sustained economic impact
St Marie's, ID
Central to northern Idaho’s rail network, St. Maries links rural timberlands and industrial sites to Union Pacific’s transcontinental routes, supporting regional supply chains and connecting communities across the Inland Northwest.
Strategically located at the confluence of the St. Joe and St. Maries Rivers, the rail yard connects northern Idaho’s timber industry to national markets via Union Pacific, serving as a vital gateway for regional resource exports.
Where you'll go
Things to know
Rail Operations
Railroad Heritage: St. Maries River Railroad was founded in 1980 from Milwaukee Road remnants, preserving local rail legacy
Facilities & Services
Timber Gateway: Located at the confluence of two rivers, the yard serves Idaho’s largest forest products region
Location Benefits
PotlatchDeltic Mills: Major economic driver, shipping finished lumber and logs to national markets via Union Pacific
Additional Information
Engine & Car Shops: Advanced maintenance facilities support regional rolling stock, boosting operational reliability and jobs