The Port of LongBeach is inching closer to its pioneering goals forrail—all part of an effort to create a greener and more efficientport. At the annual State of the Port address, MarioCordero announced several plans to expand and improve thePort of Long Beach's dock rail system, including a $1 billioncommitment from the Harbor Commission for train improvements. Theport has a long-term goal of moving 50% of all cargo by dock rail,but these improvements, once complete, will bring the port to 35%this year.

“This is visionary. This port is taking the lead in rail,”Cordero, executive director at the Port of Long Beach, said at theState of the Port address. “Rail allows us to move goods to andfrom all major US markets much faster than cargo through the Gulfand East Coast ports. This is true of imports and exports.”

The improvements will also include the so-called Pier V project,which will build a second rail track from Pier V to Pier J. Theport also plans to close the 9^th Street crossing inMarch, which Cordero said will help trains to move faster and moreefficiently. We are furthering our commitment to on dock rail andoperational excellence,” he said, adding that the benefits of railare ample. “The delivery of containers to and from ships by trainis the most sustainable and efficient way to move cargo in and outof the port. Each train eliminates as many as 750 truck trips,speeding the flow of goods and cutting traffic on roadways. Trainis a big part of our green future.”