How container drayage works in Oklahoma City
BNSF's Oklahoma City ramp, developed with Hobby Lobby, gives central Oklahoma a direct rail link to the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Before it opened, importers trucked containers from Dallas–Fort Worth, Kansas City or the West Coast.
- Rail ramp
- BNSF Oklahoma City Intermodal Ramp, 42 acres
- Port link
- Direct rail to Los Angeles / Long Beach
- Counties
- Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland and Logan
- Regional runs
- Tulsa, Wichita and North Texas
More about drayage in Oklahoma City
For years, Oklahoma City importers trucked containers from Dallas–Fort Worth or Kansas City rail ramps, or all the way from the West Coast. BNSF changed that by opening a 42-acre intermodal ramp in Oklahoma City, developed in partnership with Hobby Lobby, which is headquartered in the city. The ramp's first customer train carried Hobby Lobby containers from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to its distribution network.
The ramp is open to other shippers too, including exporters who want to send containers to the West Coast. It gives central Oklahoma a direct rail link to the San Pedro Bay ports for the first time in many years.
Local drayage carriers move containers from the ramp to warehouses and plants in Oklahoma, Canadian, Cleveland and Logan counties, and run regional moves to Tulsa, Wichita and North Texas.
1
Rail ramp
Railroads
BNSF · Union Pacific · Stillwater Central
Main highways
I-35 · I-40 · I-44 · I-240 · John Kilpatrick Turnpike · Turner Turnpike
Container terminals and rail ramps in Oklahoma City
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Oklahoma City area.
Rail ramp
BNSF Oklahoma City Intermodal Ramp
Rail ramp · BNSF
42-acre ramp developed with Hobby Lobby for containers from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach; open to other importers and exporters.
Retail, energy and manufacturing
Hobby Lobby's headquarters and massive distribution complex in southwest Oklahoma City generate large volumes of imported containers, but the region has many other importers too. Retailers, home goods companies and e-commerce operations have built warehouses along I-35, I-40 and I-44. Oklahoma's energy industry imports drilling equipment, pipe and machinery, often heavy or oversized. Carriers with tri-axle chassis, flatbeds and permit experience are in demand.
Aerospace is another major sector, with Tinker Air Force Base and aviation maintenance and manufacturing companies importing parts and equipment.
Weather and road conditions
Oklahoma's weather is extreme: severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and hail in spring, intense heat in summer and occasional ice storms in winter. Carriers monitor forecasts and adjust schedules for safety. Strong winds on open highways can affect empty or lightly loaded containers. Some carriers delay trips in high winds. Traffic in Oklahoma City is moderate, and local moves are usually quick.
Rail versus truck options
With the BNSF ramp, Oklahoma City importers can choose between rail from the West Coast and trucking from Dallas–Fort Worth (about 200 miles) or Kansas City (about 350 miles). Rail is usually more cost-effective for regular volumes. Union Pacific also serves Oklahoma, and some shippers use UP ramps in Dallas or Kansas City. Local carriers can help compare total costs, including chassis and per diem.
How a retailer brought rail back to Oklahoma City
Hobby Lobby, headquartered in Oklahoma City, operates one of the largest distribution complexes in the region and imports large volumes of merchandise from Asia. For years, those containers were trucked from rail ramps in Dallas or Kansas City or from the West Coast, adding cost and truck miles.
BNSF and Hobby Lobby partnered to build a dedicated intermodal ramp in Oklahoma City, so containers could come straight from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach by train. The facility is open to other shippers, giving the whole region a new rail option for imports and exports.
The ramp is part of a broader trend of railroads building smaller, customer-anchored terminals in growing markets, and it could attract more distribution investment to central Oklahoma.
Common lanes out of Oklahoma City
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Moore / Norman
Southern suburbs via I-35.
20 mi
Shawnee
Eastern Oklahoma County and beyond via I-40.
40 mi
Tulsa
Northeast Oklahoma via the Turner Turnpike.
105 mi
Wichita, KS
South-central Kansas via I-35.
160 mi
Dallas–Fort Worth
North Texas rail ramps and distribution.
200 mi
Amarillo
Texas Panhandle via I-40.
260 mi
Booking drayage in Oklahoma City: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Oklahoma City. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Ask about BNSF rail to OKC
The new ramp offers direct rail from the LA ports. Compare it with trucking from Dallas.
Plan for severe weather
Tornadoes and storms can halt operations. Keep flexibility in spring.
Prepare heavy energy loads
Drilling equipment and pipe may need permits and special trailers.
Factor in turnpike tolls
Oklahoma's turnpikes are tolled. Ask how tolls appear on invoices.
Drayage markets near Oklahoma City
Many carriers that serve Oklahoma City also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Oklahoma City, OK.