How container drayage works in Las Vegas
Union Pacific's Las Vegas ramp brings domestic and some international containers into Southern Nevada. Many importers still truck containers up I-15 from Los Angeles and Long Beach, a run of most of a day each way.
- Rail ramp
- UP Las Vegas intermodal and auto ramp
- Port drayage
- Los Angeles / Long Beach via I-15
- Warehouses
- North Las Vegas, Henderson, Southwest valley, Apex
- Also
- Casino resorts, events and construction sites
More about drayage in Las Vegas
Union Pacific's main intermodal and automotive ramp in Las Vegas is the rail gateway for containers and trailers moving into Southern Nevada. It sits on UP's line between Southern California and Salt Lake City, and it handles domestic boxes and some international containers moved inland from the San Pedro Bay ports.
Many Las Vegas importers still truck containers directly from Los Angeles and Long Beach on Interstate 15. That long-haul port drayage takes most of a day each way and includes chassis rental, per diem and California's port truck requirements. Shippers compare it with rail service to the Las Vegas ramp and with transloading near the ports.
Local drayage carriers serve warehouses in North Las Vegas, Henderson, the Southwest valley near the airport and the Apex Industrial Park, as well as the casino resorts and construction sites that make Las Vegas's economy unique.
1
Rail ramp
Railroads
Union Pacific
Main highways
I-15 · I-11 · US-95 · I-215 · CC-215 Beltway · US-93
Container terminals and rail ramps in Las Vegas
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Las Vegas area.
Rail ramp
Las Vegas Intermodal Ramp
Rail ramp · Union Pacific
Union Pacific's main intermodal and automotive ramp in Las Vegas, on its line between Southern California and Salt Lake City.
Casinos, construction and events
Las Vegas's resorts consume enormous amounts of food, beverages, linens and supplies, and many products arrive in containers or are transloaded from them. Deliveries to the Strip can be challenging because of traffic, limited loading docks and security procedures.
Construction never stops in Las Vegas, from new resorts and stadiums to housing and data centers. Building materials, fixtures and equipment often come from overseas, and oversized or heavy loads may need permits. Major conventions and events, such as CES and other trade shows, bring surges of exhibit freight and equipment, often on tight schedules.
Warehouses and desert conditions
North Las Vegas and the Apex Industrial Park along I-15 north of the city have seen rapid warehouse development, attracting e-commerce, retail and manufacturing companies. Henderson and the southwest valley also host distribution centers.
Summer temperatures above 110°F affect trucks, tires and drivers, and some cargo needs refrigeration even if it would ship dry elsewhere. Carriers often start early in the day during summer. Wind and dust storms can reduce visibility on I-15, and occasional flash floods can close roads.
Rail versus truck from California
Rail to the Las Vegas ramp can reduce long-haul trucking costs and emissions, especially for steady volumes. Trucks offer speed and flexibility for urgent freight. Many shippers use both. Transloading near the ports into 53-foot trailers is another option, allowing more cargo per load and returning ocean containers quickly. Local carriers can help compare these options, including chassis and per diem costs.
Southern Nevada's growing industrial market
Las Vegas has diversified beyond tourism, and industrial development has boomed in North Las Vegas, the Apex Industrial Park and along the I-15 corridor. E-commerce companies, retailers and manufacturers have built large facilities to serve Southern Nevada and parts of Arizona, Utah and California.
Data centers have also become a major industry, attracted by land, power and tax incentives. Construction and operation of these facilities generate inbound freight, including servers, cooling systems and electrical equipment.
As the market grows, demand for drayage from both the Union Pacific ramp and the Southern California ports keeps rising. Carriers based in Las Vegas often serve both, and some also run regional freight to St. George, Kingman and Bullhead City.
Common lanes out of Las Vegas
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Henderson
Southeast valley distribution.
15 mi
North Las Vegas / Apex
Warehouse growth along I-15 North.
20 mi
St. George, UT
Southern Utah via I-15.
120 mi
Los Angeles / Long Beach ports
Long-haul port drayage via I-15.
280 mi
Phoenix
Arizona via US-93/I-11.
300 mi
Salt Lake City
Utah via I-15.
420 mi
Booking drayage in Las Vegas: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Las Vegas. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Compare rail and truck from LA
Rail to Las Vegas can cut long-haul costs, while trucks are faster. Get both quotes.
Plan Strip deliveries
Resort deliveries have limited docks and security rules. Share site details in advance.
Protect cargo from heat
Summer heat can damage goods. Use reefers for sensitive cargo.
Book early for big events
Convention and trade show freight surges around major events. Reserve capacity ahead.
Drayage markets near Las Vegas
Many carriers that serve Las Vegas also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Las Vegas, NV.