The initiative announced just 45 days before its opening, is designed to improve logistics efficiency by providing a direct intermodal service between the Los Angeles Basin and Phoenix for the first time.
The terminal facilitates the movement of international shipping containers from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, as well as from Union Pacific’s International Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) Intermodal Terminal. It alleviates the congestion on highways in California and Arizona by decreasing the reliance on truck transportation. According to Union Pacific, opting for rail transport over trucking can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%.
The terminal's day-to-day operations include drayage services provided by Duncan & Son Lines, a family-owned logistics company based in Buckeye, Arizona. Despite the terminal's operational status, construction activities are set to continue throughout 2024 to complete additional infrastructure works, including driveway striping, installation of lighting, surface hardening, and the construction of an office building.