LOS ANGELES—The Port of Long Beach has proposed a draft environmental study to redevelop the Pier B rail yard to allow for the assembly of longer trains. The new rail yard will simultaneously allow cargo to move faster and will make operations more sustainable. The proposal would shift cargo to an on-dock rail.

“The redeveloped Pier B rail yard would allow for the assembly of longer trains within the Port, increasing the use of on-dock rail,” Lee Peterson, lead of communications at the Port of Long Beach, tells GlobeSt.com. “On-dock rail improves the Port's efficiency because it minimizes truck trips and moves cargo faster.”

If the proposal is approved, containers would be placed directly on trains at marine terminals, and no trucks would visit the facility. The Pacific Harbor Line would operate the rail year. It is a switching railroad that has converted its fleet to clean diesel, further boosting sustainability and reducing air pollution. “The proposed Pier B project is part of our ongoing modernization plans at the Port of Long Beach,” says Peterson. “With improved facilities, we can offer the business community better services while improving our environmental sustainability. Additional on-dock rail capacity helps to minimize our impacts on the local region.”

In addition to increasing sustainability, the port is making these improvements to stay competitive with other ports as facilities around the globe modernize. “Competition among seaports is fierce,” adds Peterson. “With improved facilities, we can strengthen our competitiveness. Trade flowing through the Port of Long Beach sustains more than 300,000 jobs in the region – and this project would to keep that trade coming to Long Beach.”

Two public hearing will be held in January to allow the public to comment on the proposal.

Instant Insights /

New Port Rail Yard Allows for Longer Trains

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