UP's Port Houston on-dock service expands again

Union Pacific Railroad's Port Houston on-dock service has expanded to two more markets.

The service — which enables containers to be loaded onto rail cars from cargo ships at Port Houston and shipped directly to inland terminals without being trucked — was launched in May 2023. By December 2023, it expanded to four additional inland markets and in March 2024, the service expanded again with the addition of two more markets, according to an article on UP’s Inside Track website.

The service offers rail access from Barbours Cut Container Terminal at Port Houston to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Kansas City, Laredo, Los Angeles, Memphis, Oakland, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.

“It’s a win-win any time we can increase speed to market for our customers and grow with them,” said Kenny Rocker, UP’s executive vice president of marketing and sales, in the article. “We are excited about growing our presence in the Houston market and the service’s continued potential.”

Port Houston handles 73% of U.S. Gulf Coast container traffic, according to UP.

“The addition of on-dock intermodal services has opened up new markets for Port Houston’s customers and enhanced efficient cargo movement through our terminals,” John Moseley, Port Houston's chief commercial officer.