Railroad Access

Intermodal

Intermodal rail service is provided on a daily basis from the Port of Baltimore throughout the United States. Both CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railroad, two Class 1 carriers, offer efficient and competitive intermodal rail service from the Port of Baltimore. Two intermodal ramps are within minutes of the docks: The Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) operated by CSX is adjacent to the Seagirt Marine Terminal, and the Bayview Intermodal Yard operated by Norfolk Southern is a very short dray trip from Baltimore’s container terminals.

CARGO WITH WHEELS

As one of the leading automobile ports in the United States, the Port of Baltimore relies on many different partners to get the job done right. The service that Norfolk Southern and CSX provide to the Port makes Baltimore attractive to automobile manufacturers in the United States looking to export or import their vehicles. The railroads’ ability to transport automobiles across the country also makes Baltimore popular with overseas manufacturers who use the Port as their primary distribution center.

The use of unit trains enhances Baltimore’s reputation as one of the nation’s top roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) ports. Baltimore’s proximity to the major farm and construction equipment manufacturers in the Midwest and dependable rail service make locomotives pulling combines, bulldozers or tractors a common sight at the Port.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Since not all cargo comes in a box, ports need to offer more than intermodal service. Baltimore provides direct service to the Port for special breakbulk and project cargoes. The Maryland Port Administration has completed a “Heavy Lift” berth at Dundalk Marine Terminal, with direct ship-to-rail capability.

MOVING BULK CARGO

As a diversified port, Baltimore handles millions of tons of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore and liquid products. Baltimore’s Class 1 rail service, with the help of the Canton short line railroad, can transport bulk cargoes across town or across the country. Direct boxcar, covered hopper and ore jenny hopper service is provided to private terminals handling a wide variety of dry bulk and breakbulk cargoes. Direct rail service is provided to all of the Port’s terminals.