Tacoma Rail, a short line serving its namesake port facility and city in Washington State, has signed a contract with BNSF to supply fueling and maintenance needs for the Class I railroad.
Tacoma Rail Superintendent Dale King said contract for BNSF locomotives could reduce train turnaround time at the Port of Tacoma by up to three hours, and give the Port of Tacoma a competitive advantage over other West Coast competition.
Besides refueling and routine maintenance, Tacoma Rail also will stock locomotives with supplies to allow faster turnaround times, according to local media. Tacoma Rail plans to hire three people to handle the new work.
Tacoma Rail, spanning 200 track miles with a fleet of 14 locomotives, is owned by the City of Tacoma, Wash.