Jul 25, 2012 10:27 AM

As a result of continued growth, Cold Train is expanding its Washington state-based refrigerated container fleet to 300 state-of-the-art 53-foot containers (all built by Hyundai), and will also be adding several new destinations in 2012.

In early 2010, Rail Logistics launched the Cold Train Pacific Northwest-Chicagoland Express Refrigerated Intermodal Service in partnership with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and the Port of Quincy in Washington state. Since the Cold Train refrigerated expedited intermodal freight service was launched, it has grown in popularity with shippers in Washington and the Midwest (including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Iowa), and shipments of Washington fresh produce and frozen foods and vegetables on the Cold Train continue to grow at a fast pace.

In 2010, Cold Train shipped about 100 containers of perishable commodities per month from Washington to the Midwest. In 2011, the number of shipments increased to about 300 containers per month. Currently (in 2012), Cold Train is hauling close to 400 containers of fresh and frozen cargo per month to the Midwest. It is projected that Cold Train will be transporting more than 600 containers per month by year-end.

The success and popularity of Cold Train’s service between Washington and the Midwest prompted requests from many shippers and receivers for additional service to more destinations. Consequently in the first half of 2012, Cold Train responded and successfully sent approximately 100 test loads from Washington to Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New England. As a result, Cold Train will be offering regular service to/from these areas beginning in August 2012.

Access www.rrlx.com or www.icoldtrain.com for further information, or e-mail Steve Lawson at publicaffairs@rrlx.com.