The Port of Los Angeles has signed an agreement with the City of Shafter and The Wonderful Company to develop rail connections focused on moving export cargo through California’s Central Valley. The partnership centers on the Wonderful Logistics Center, located along the BNSF rail mainline in Shafter, near Bakersfield.
Rail shuttle planned between Shafter and port terminals
The terminal is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will serve as a hub for a dedicated shuttle train linking the San Pedro Bay port complex directly with Shafter.
The shuttle train is intended to streamline container flows by creating a regular rail connection for both imports and exports, reducing the reliance on long-haul trucking between the port and California’s Central Valley. The service is expected to support agricultural exports from the region while providing a rail-based option for repositioning empty containers held at the port terminals.
Rail infrastructure integrated in Central Valley operations
The Wonderful Logistics Center is located along the BNSF rail corridor and currently serves several national distribution networks. The planned international rail terminal will extend these services to include direct rail access to the Port of Los Angeles.
The logistics center covers 3,400 acres and already hosts operations for large retailers and logistics providers. The new rail terminal will add capacity for international container movements, allowing exporters and importers in the Central Valley to access port services via scheduled rail services.
Supporting rail freight flows for agricultural exports
The rail initiative is part of a broader effort to improve container flows between the Port of Los Angeles and the Central Valley’s agricultural producers. By increasing the use of rail for exports and for repositioning empty containers, the project addresses equipment imbalances and transportation efficiency.
The Port of Los Angeles and The Wonderful Company also plan to cooperate on supply chain outreach, rail workforce development, and exporter engagement in the Central Valley region as part of the long-term rail logistics plan.
