LA-area ports extend Pacific Harbor Line contracts through 2026

The Port of Long Beach (POLB) recently extended its rail operating/maintenance services agreement with Pacific Harbor Line Inc. (PHL) for one year through Dec. 31, 2026.  

The short line obtained the same one-year extension from the Port of Los Angeles, POLB officials said in a news brief. 

The extension provides the ports more time to complete an ongoing request for proposals (RFP) process regarding railroad operating and maintenance services within the San Pedro Bay ports complex in southern California. The RFP was issued in May and bids were due on July 28. 

PHL has provided rail services to the port complex since 1998, the last time the ports bid out the contracts. Although the ports will jointly select a single operator through the RFP, each will enter into a separate operating agreement with the chosen bidder. 

Owned by Anacostia Rail Holdings, PHL was created in 1998 to unify operations in the port complex. The short line operates 96 track miles and 19 route miles of track, serves nine on-dock marine terminals, and interchanges with BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.