How container drayage works in Jackson, Mississippi
CN's Jackson Intermodal terminal in Richland is central Mississippi's closest place to put containers on a train, on CN's line between Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans. CPKC also crosses the city along I-20.
- Rail ramp
- CN Jackson Intermodal, Industrial Park Road
- Also
- Container yard and depot for empties
- Typical moves
- Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties
- Regional runs
- Memphis, New Orleans and Gulfport
More about drayage in Jackson
CN operates Jackson Intermodal on Industrial Park Road in the Richland area, south of downtown Jackson. The terminal handles containers on CN's north-south line between Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans, and it also works as a container yard and depot for empties and equipment. For central Mississippi shippers, it is the closest place to put containers on a train without driving to Memphis or New Orleans.
CPKC also runs through Jackson on the former Kansas City Southern line along Interstate 20 between Dallas and Meridian, and the two railroads cooperate on routes to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Planned road improvements such as the Pearl/Richland intermodal connector are designed to improve truck access to the rail corridors.
Local drayage carriers move containers between the ramp and plants, warehouses and farms in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties, and run regional loads to Memphis, New Orleans and Gulfport.
1
Rail ramp
Railroads
CN · CPKC
Main highways
I-55 · I-20 · I-220 · US-49 · MS-25
Container terminals and rail ramps in Jackson
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Jackson area.
Rail ramp
CN Jackson Intermodal
Rail ramp · CN
CN intermodal terminal and container yard on Industrial Park Road in the Richland area, on CN's Chicago–Memphis–New Orleans line.
Manufacturing, poultry and timber
Central Mississippi has a growing manufacturing base. Nissan's assembly plant in Canton, north of Jackson, and its suppliers import parts and ship vehicles, while other factories produce appliances, building products and metal goods. Many of these plants rely on containers for imported components.
Agriculture and food processing are important too. Poultry processors in Scott County and across the state export frozen chicken in reefer containers, and timber and wood products leave the region in large volumes. Exporters often load containers inland and send them to Gulf ports or Memphis by truck or rail. Retail and grocery distribution centers in Pearl, Flowood and Madison serve the state, and they receive containers delivered from the ramp or from ports.
Routes and regional connections
Interstate 55 runs north to Memphis and south to New Orleans, while Interstate 20 runs east to Meridian and Birmingham and west to Vicksburg and Dallas. US Highway 49 connects Jackson with Hattiesburg and the Port of Gulfport.
These routes make Jackson a convenient hub for reaching the Gulf ports and Memphis. Many carriers in the area combine local ramp work with regional moves.
Traffic in Jackson is lighter than in large metros, so local moves are usually quick, but some city roads have weight restrictions and carriers stick to designated truck routes.
Rail versus truck to the ports
Importers in central Mississippi can bring containers through New Orleans, Gulfport or Mobile and truck them inland, or use rail to Jackson via CN. Rail is often cheaper for regular volumes, while trucks can be faster for urgent freight.
Memphis, about 210 miles north, has many more intermodal ramps and is sometimes used as an alternative for Jackson shippers. Carriers can help compare the total cost of each option. Exporters benefit from empty containers available in Jackson, which can reduce the need to truck empties from distant depots.
Central Mississippi's role in regional distribution
Jackson's location at the crossroads of I-55 and I-20 puts it roughly midway between Memphis and New Orleans and between Dallas and Atlanta. That makes it a practical base for regional distribution across Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.
Distribution centers in Pearl, Flowood, Richland and Madison serve grocery chains, retailers and wholesalers, and some receive containers railed to CN Jackson Intermodal or trucked from Gulf ports.
Infrastructure projects such as the Pearl/Richland intermodal connector aim to improve truck access between the rail corridors and the highway network, which could make Jackson more attractive for rail-served logistics.
Common lanes out of Jackson
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Pearl / Flowood
Retail and grocery distribution in Rankin County.
10 mi
Canton (Nissan)
Auto assembly and suppliers via I-55 North.
25 mi
Vicksburg
Mississippi River city via I-20 West.
45 mi
Hattiesburg
Pine Belt via US-49.
90 mi
Gulfport
Port of Gulfport via US-49.
160 mi
Memphis
Mid-South rail ramps via I-55.
210 mi
Booking drayage in Jackson: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Jackson. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Confirm CN routing to Jackson
Make sure your container is billed to CN Jackson Intermodal, not Memphis or New Orleans.
Plan reefer exports
Poultry exports need gensets and cold storage coordination. Book reefer-capable carriers.
Match auto plant schedules
Nissan suppliers have tight delivery windows. Share appointment details early.
Compare Gulf ports
Gulfport, New Orleans and Mobile are all within reach. Compare drayage and rail options.
Drayage markets near Jackson
Many carriers that serve Jackson also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Jackson, MS.