In October, the Minot Intermodal Facility in North Dakota proudly marked its fifth anniversary, celebrating a successful partnership that has created a vital rail connection between North Dakota agricultural exporters and The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) gateway.

The Minot Intermodal Facility was the first successful inland rail hub launched under the NWSA's strategic initiative to significantly increase the flow of U.S. agricultural exports through its marine terminals and into international markets.

The facility’s success is a testament to strong collaboration across key partners including, the Minot Area Chamber EDC, Rail Modal Group (RMG) - the dedicated facility operator, BNSF Railway and North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

NWSA Visits for Anniversary Tour

During a recent anniversary visit, NWSA staff observed a site full of activity, including the transloading of bulk soybeans into containers and the loading of RMG’s third train that week—setting a new weekly record for the operation.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring was also in attendance and has been a strong supporter of the Minot Intermodal Facility and its role in expanding market access for the state’s producers. His continued advocacy for infrastructure investment and export development has helped position North Dakota agriculture for long-term success.

Impact and Expansion

Since its launch, the Minot facility has served as the successful blueprint for the NWSA's broader strategy to expand inland rail connectivity. It has since been joined by other strategic locations, including facilities in Pocatello, Idaho, and Wallula, Washington.

“The Minot Intermodal Facility serves as the gold standard of The Northwest Seaport Alliance's inland rail strategy and an example of our commitment to driving national trade growth. Reaching this five-year milestone is a testament to the strength of the partnership between the Minot Area Chamber EDC, Rail Modal Group, and BNSF and we look forward to many more years of competitive export opportunities for North Dakota producers through our gateway,”

stated John McCarthy, Co-Chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Tacoma Commission President.

In total, over 42,000 export loads have moved through NWSA facilities from these interconnected inland ramps, creating significant efficiencies and value for American farmers.

"The success of Minot is not just a regional story; it's a model of how strategic infrastructure investment creates a more resilient and efficient national supply chain. With over 42,000 export loads having moved through our expanded inland network, we are directly contributing to the economic vitality of the Midwest. The NWSA remains dedicated to furthering this vision, supporting our agricultural exporters, and ensuring our gateway remains the partner of choice for global trade,"

stated Toshiko Hasegawa, Co-Chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Seattle Commission President.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance extends its congratulations to Rail Modal Group, BNSF Railway, and the Minot Area Chamber EDC on reaching this significant five-year milestone and looks forward to continued success in growing U.S. agricultural exports through our gateway.

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