How container drayage works in Spokane
BNSF's Spokane Intermodal Terminal on the east side of the city links the Inland Northwest with Puget Sound ports, Portland and Chicago. Local carriers deliver across Spokane County and into Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
- Rail ramp
- BNSF Spokane, 1800 North Dickey Road
- Routes
- Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Chicago and the Midwest
- Reach
- Spokane Valley and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
- Also
- Union Pacific from the south
More about drayage in Spokane
BNSF operates an intermodal terminal in Spokane at 1800 North Dickey Road, on the city's east side. Spokane is a crossroads of BNSF's former Great Northern, Northern Pacific and Spokane, Portland & Seattle routes, so trains passing through link the city with Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Chicago and the Midwest.
Containers arrive from Puget Sound ports and the Midwest, and local drayage carriers deliver them to warehouses and plants in Spokane County, Spokane Valley and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Spokane is also served by Union Pacific, which reaches the area from the south, giving shippers additional rail options.
1
Rail ramp
Railroads
BNSF · Union Pacific
Main highways
I-90 · US-395 · US-195 · US-2 · SR-290
Container terminals and rail ramps in Spokane
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Spokane area.
Rail ramp
BNSF Spokane Intermodal Terminal
Rail ramp · BNSF
BNSF terminal at 1800 North Dickey Road in Spokane, at the crossroads of three former main lines.
Distribution in the Inland Northwest
Spokane serves a large region with relatively few major cities, so it has become a distribution hub for Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana. Warehouses cluster in Spokane Valley, the West Plains near the airport and along I-90. E-commerce and retail companies have built fulfillment centers on the West Plains, near Spokane International Airport. Distances in the region are long, so many carriers combine local drayage with regional trucking.
Agriculture and manufacturing
The Palouse and surrounding areas produce wheat, lentils, peas and other crops, much of it exported. Some is shipped in containers via Spokane or other regional terminals. Manufacturing in aerospace, metals and food processing also generates container traffic. Timber and wood products from the region add to freight volumes.
Winter and routes
Spokane winters bring snow and cold, and mountain passes to the east and west can be affected by storms. Fourth of July Pass and Lookout Pass on I-90 in Idaho and Montana can require chains. Interstate 90 runs east-west through Spokane, connecting it with Seattle (about 280 miles) and Missoula. US-395 and US-195 run north-south. Summer wildfire smoke can affect operations and driver conditions.
Spokane's role in Inland Northwest trade
Spokane is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, and it serves a region that includes Eastern Washington, North Idaho, western Montana and parts of Oregon and British Columbia. Retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers base regional operations in Spokane to reach this market.
The West Plains area near Spokane International Airport has become a logistics hub, with large fulfillment centers and distribution warehouses. Spokane Valley, east of the city, also hosts manufacturing and warehouses. Containers arriving at the BNSF terminal are delivered to these facilities, and some are transloaded for regional distribution.
Agriculture and the Palouse
South of Spokane, the rolling hills of the Palouse produce wheat, barley, lentils, chickpeas and peas. Much of the wheat moves by rail or barge in bulk, but some specialty crops and pulses are exported in containers.
Container exports from the region often move to Seattle or Tacoma, either by truck over Snoqualmie Pass or by rail. Spokane-based carriers help farmers and processors coordinate container pickups and deliveries. Seasonal harvests drive peaks in demand, and carriers plan capacity accordingly.
Common lanes out of Spokane
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Spokane Valley
Warehouses and manufacturing east of the city.
10 mi
West Plains / airport
Fulfillment centers near Spokane International Airport.
15 mi
Coeur d'Alene, ID
North Idaho via I-90.
35 mi
Pullman / Moscow
Palouse agriculture via US-195.
75 mi
Tri-Cities
Southeast Washington via US-395.
140 mi
Seattle
Puget Sound via I-90.
280 mi
Booking drayage in Spokane: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Spokane. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Confirm BNSF routing
Check that your container is billed to BNSF Spokane.
Plan for mountain passes
Winter storms can close passes on I-90. Allow extra time.
Combine local and regional moves
Long distances in the region make combined drayage and trucking efficient.
Watch for wildfire smoke
Summer smoke can affect operations. Stay flexible.
Drayage markets near Spokane
Many carriers that serve Spokane also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Spokane, WA.