Port of Long Beach Outlines Environmental and Capacity Expansion for Pier B On-Dock Rail Facility

Enhancing Rail Infrastructure at the Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is advancing its Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility project with a new supplemental report outlining minor but impactful modifications. These adjustments involve utility relocations, road closures, rail adjustments, and infrastructure realignment — all designed to increase capacity while reducing environmental footprints and streamlining port operations.

Project Modifications Focused on Efficiency and Green Goals

Among the proposed changes are:

• Relocation of various utility lines to accommodate new construction zones
• Creation of staging areas for construction activities
• Refinement of rail track layouts and pavement restriping
• Partial closure of Grant Street and Southern Pacific Drive to optimize traffic flow
• Reconfiguration of historic Berths D52-D54 transit shed to support realignment of Pico Avenue

These steps are part and parcel of a broader truck-free initiative, intended to boost the port’s on-dock rail capabilities. The overall goal is to enhance cargo movement efficiency while significantly cutting down emissions — a double win for operational flow and environmental stewardship.

Substantial Expansion of Rail Yard Capacity

The Pier B expansion is not just a small tweak — it’s a transportation game changer that will:

• Double the size of the existing rail yard from 82 to 171 acres
• More than triple the annual on-dock rail volume from 1.5 million to 4.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)
• Include a new fuel depot with capacity for up to 30 locomotives
• Create a staging area capable of assembling and breaking down trains up to 10,000 feet in length

The enhanced yard will leverage the expertise of Pacific Harbor Line for rail switching, while Class I railroads Union Pacific and BNSF will continue providing service via the Alameda Corridor — a key logistics artery.

Impact on Cargo Flow and Supply Chain

By facilitating longer trains and faster turnarounds, the expansion will:

1. Expedite deliveries across the national freight network
2. Reduce congestion and truck traffic within the port area
3. Contribute to lower carbon emissions by shifting freight transport from roads to rails

This project is poised to help the Port of Long Beach maintain its status as the second-busiest container port in the U.S., which handled a record 9.65 million TEUs in 2024.

Community Engagement and Environmental Assessment

The newly released supplemental environmental report will be discussed in a virtual public hearing scheduled for September 24th. This forum will allow stakeholders and the community to give input on the project’s implications, ensuring that growth aligns with ecological and social standards.

Phased Construction Timeline

Construction started in 2024 and is planned in phases, with completion targeted for 2032. This extended timeline reflects the project’s scale and sensitivity, balancing rapid infrastructure development with mindful environmental practices.

Environmental Implications and Green Logistics

This initiative underscores a broader trend in logistics and freight transport: the move toward sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. Rail transport inherently delivers lower emissions per ton-mile compared to trucking, making on-dock rail expansions a critical piece in the puzzle for greener supply chains.

With growing concerns about congestion and air quality near ports, facilities like the Pier B rail yard expansion help alleviate environmental pressures by promoting truck-free cargo movement inside port terminals — a vital step for cities focusing on smog reduction and community health.

Table: Key Features of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Expansion

Why This Matters for Logistics and Freight Forwarding

The ripple effect of this project is felt far beyond the port gates. Increasing on-dock rail capacity means more reliable, faster shipping cycles, reducing demurrage costs and inventory delays. For freight forwarders and cargo owners, this translates to smoother operations and potentially lower overall transport and distribution costs.

Moreover, this move supports the growing demand for bulk and container shipments to adopt lower-emission transport options. As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable in supply chains, investments like this redefine competitive advantage in global logistics networks.

Looking Ahead: Making Cargo Transport Easier

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By tapping into the diverse offerings and transparent pricing of GetTransport.com, shippers can navigate complex logistics effortlessly, avoiding unnecessary costs or disappointments. The platform’s user-friendly approach aligns perfectly with the themes of efficiency and environmental responsibility highlighted by projects like the Port of Long Beach’s rail expansion. احجز رحلتك في GetTransport.com to experience streamlined, cost-effective freight solutions.

Global Logistics Forecast and Summary

Although the Long Beach Pier B rail expansion primarily impacts U.S. West Coast shipping, the project reflects a global logistics trend toward enhancing port rail infrastructure for sustainable growth. Expanding on-dock rail yards can inspire other major ports to follow suit, promoting the shift from road-based cargo haulage to greener rail alternatives.

For providers and shippers worldwide, staying informed about such developments is crucial for future-proofing supply chains. GetTransport.com remains committed to adapting alongside these innovations, supporting customers with convenient, reliable cargo transport services that meet evolving environmental and operational standards. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

الخاتمة

The Port of Long Beach’s updated report and planned expansions represent a significant stride toward enhanced port efficiency and reduced environmental impact. By more than doubling rail yard size and tripling on-dock rail volume, this project is set to pave the way for faster, cleaner, and more reliable freight movement.

These improvements are a perfect example of how infrastructure upgrades in logistics hubs can foster global supply chain resilience while championing sustainability. Thanks to innovative platforms like GetTransport.com, managing freight shipment, relocation, and distribution—no matter how bulky or complex—has never been easier or more affordable. From containers to parcels, rail yard expansions like this one set the stage for the future of logistics.