How container drayage works in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has two rail ramps: CSX's McKees Rocks terminal, part of its double-stack National Gateway, and Norfolk Southern's Pitcairn east of the city. Hills, rivers and tunnels make routing harder here than in flatter cities.
- Rail ramps
- CSX Pittsburgh (McKees Rocks) and NS Pitcairn
- Port links
- Baltimore, Norfolk and New York / New Jersey
- Counties
- Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Beaver and Butler
- Watch for
- Tunnel and bridge restrictions
More about drayage in Pittsburgh
CSX opened its Pittsburgh intermodal terminal on a 70-acre site in McKees Rocks and Stowe Township, on the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie rail yard, as the last key piece of its National Gateway initiative. The program raised clearances along CSX routes so double-stack trains could connect East Coast ports with the Midwest through Pittsburgh.
Norfolk Southern's Pitcairn terminal, east of the city, handles containers and trailers on its main line between the East Coast and Chicago. Together the two terminals give Western Pennsylvania rail access to ports such as Baltimore, Norfolk and New York and New Jersey.
Local drayage carriers move containers between the terminals and customers in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Washington, Beaver and Butler counties. Pittsburgh's hills, rivers and tunnels make routing more complex than in flatter cities.
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Rail ramps
Railroads
CSX · Norfolk Southern · Allegheny Valley Railroad · Wheeling & Lake Erie
Main highways
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike · I-79 · I-70 · I-376 · I-279 · US-22
Container terminals and rail ramps in Pittsburgh
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Pittsburgh area.
Rail ramp
CSX Pittsburgh Intermodal Terminal
Rail ramp · CSX
70-acre terminal in McKees Rocks and Stowe Township on the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie yard; final piece of the National Gateway double-stack program.
Pitcairn Intermodal Terminal
Rail ramp · Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern terminal east of Pittsburgh on its main line between the East Coast and Chicago.
Steel, energy and advanced manufacturing
Pittsburgh's steel heritage continues with mills and fabricators in the Monongahela Valley and beyond. Steel and metal products are heavy, often requiring tri-axle chassis or permits.
The region is a center of natural gas production in the Marcellus and Utica shale, and energy companies import equipment and materials. A large petrochemical plant in Beaver County produces plastics that may be exported in containers. Robotics, healthcare and technology companies have grown in Pittsburgh, adding imports of specialized equipment.
Hills, tunnels and bridges
Pittsburgh's terrain affects trucking. Steep hills and winding roads, along with tunnels such as the Fort Pitt and Squirrel Hill tunnels, can restrict large trucks or hazmat loads. Carriers must know approved routes. The city has hundreds of bridges, and some have weight or height limits. Construction and closures can add detours. Winter snow and ice make hilly roads more dangerous, and carriers plan for slower travel.
Distribution and regional routes
Warehouses are located near the airport in Moon and Findlay townships, along I-79 and I-76, and in the eastern suburbs. Pittsburgh's location gives access to Ohio, West Virginia and much of Pennsylvania. Interstates 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), 79, 70 and 376 connect the metro with Philadelphia, Cleveland, Columbus and Erie. Port drayage from the East Coast is long, so most international containers arrive by rail.
From steel city to diversified freight market
Pittsburgh's steel mills once dominated its freight, and rivers, railroads and roads were built to move coal, coke and steel. Many mills closed in the late 20th century, but the region kept a strong industrial base in specialty metals, machinery and chemicals, and added new sectors such as robotics, healthcare and energy.
Natural gas production in the Marcellus and Utica shales brought a wave of investment in pipelines, processing plants and a large petrochemical complex in Beaver County. These projects import heavy equipment and materials and export plastic resins, which can move in containers to coastal ports by rail. The National Gateway double-stack route through Pittsburgh improved rail connections to East Coast ports, making container shipping more efficient for Western Pennsylvania shippers.
Common lanes out of Pittsburgh
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Airport area (Moon / Findlay)
Warehouses near Pittsburgh International Airport.
15 mi
Monroeville / Greensburg
Eastern suburbs via the Turnpike.
25 mi
Washington, PA
Energy and manufacturing via I-79.
30 mi
Wheeling, WV
Ohio Valley via I-70.
60 mi
Cleveland
Northeast Ohio via I-76/I-80.
135 mi
Baltimore
Port of Baltimore via I-70.
250 mi
Booking drayage in Pittsburgh: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Pittsburgh. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Know tunnel restrictions
Some tunnels restrict hazmat and large loads. Use carriers familiar with Pittsburgh routes.
Confirm the terminal
CSX McKees Rocks and NS Pitcairn are on opposite sides of the city. Check your notice.
Plan heavy steel loads
Steel and equipment may need special chassis or permits. Share weights early.
Allow for winter hills
Snow on steep roads slows trucks. Build in extra time.
Drayage markets near Pittsburgh
Many carriers that serve Pittsburgh also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Pittsburgh, PA.