How container drayage works in St. Louis
St. Louis has rail ramps on both sides of the Mississippi: BNSF Lindenwood and NS Luther in Missouri, CSX Rose Lake and UP Dupo in Illinois. Many drayage moves cross the river, so knowing the right bridge for each terminal matters.
- Missouri side
- BNSF Lindenwood and NS Luther
- Illinois side
- CSX East St. Louis (Rose Lake) and UP Dupo
- Interchange
- Terminal Railroad Association switches between lines
- Watch for
- River crossings on the Musial and Poplar Street bridges
More about drayage in St. Louis
The St. Louis region has four main intermodal terminals. BNSF's Lindenwood Yard sits in the city near Interstate 44 and the Jamieson and Arsenal intersection, handling about 60,000 lifts a year. Norfolk Southern's Luther yard is in north St.
Louis with access to Interstate 70. CSX's East St. Louis terminal, also known as Rose Lake, is in Fairmont City and Washington Park, Illinois. Union Pacific's Dupo Yard, south of East St. Louis, is the region's largest rail terminal, spanning more than 1,000 acres.
These terminals connect St. Louis with the West Coast, Chicago, the Southeast, Texas and the East Coast. The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis switches cars between railroads in the area.
Because terminals are on both sides of the Mississippi, many drayage moves involve crossing the river on the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, the Poplar Street Bridge or other crossings. Local carriers know which bridges and routes are best for each terminal.
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Rail ramps
Railroads
Union Pacific · BNSF · Norfolk Southern · CSX · CN · CPKC · Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis
Main highways
I-64 · I-70 · I-44 · I-55 · I-270 · I-255 · I-170
Container terminals and rail ramps in St. Louis
Where containers are picked up and returned in the St. Louis area.
Rail ramp
Lindenwood Intermodal Yard
Rail ramp · BNSF
BNSF ramp in St. Louis near I-44 and the Jamieson and Arsenal intersection; about 60,000 lifts a year.
Luther Intermodal Yard
Rail ramp · Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern ramp in north St. Louis with access to I-70 via Hall Street.
East St. Louis (Rose Lake) Intermodal Terminal
Rail ramp · CSX
CSX terminal in Fairmont City and Washington Park, Illinois.
Dupo Yard
Rail ramp · Union Pacific
Union Pacific's large terminal south of East St. Louis, over 1,000 acres, handling containers, bulk and autos.
Metro East and Missouri warehouse districts
The Metro East area of Illinois, including Edwardsville, Pontoon Beach and the Gateway Commerce Center, has many large distribution centers close to I-55, I-70 and I-270. On the Missouri side, warehouses cluster in St. Charles County, near Lambert Airport, and in south county. Many drayage moves are short, but cross-river traffic and highway congestion during rush hours can add time.
St. Louis's central location makes it a good base for regional distribution to the Midwest and South.
Agriculture, river freight and manufacturing
St. Louis is a center for agriculture and food processing. Grain, soybeans and processed foods are exported, sometimes in containers loaded near the river or at rail terminals.
The Mississippi River carries barge traffic to and from the Gulf, mostly bulk commodities. Some container-on-barge services have been tested, but most containers move by rail or truck. Manufacturing includes aerospace, automotive, chemicals and beverages. Boeing's defense operations, GM's Wentzville assembly plant and breweries generate freight that may move in containers.
Weather and rivers
St. Louis has hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow and ice. Severe storms in spring can disrupt traffic and rail operations. Flooding on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers can affect rail lines and roads near the rivers. Carriers monitor river levels during flood season. Interstates 64, 70, 44, 55 and 270 serve the region, and bridges across the Mississippi are key chokepoints.
Metro East growth and the Gateway Commerce Center
The Illinois side of the St. Louis region has seen major warehouse development. The Gateway Commerce Center in Edwardsville and Pontoon Beach hosts some of the largest distribution centers in the Midwest, close to I-270, I-255 and I-55/70.
These buildings are near CSX's Rose Lake terminal and Union Pacific's Dupo Yard, and many drayage moves stay on the Illinois side, avoiding river crossings entirely.
On the Missouri side, St. Charles County along I-70 and the area around Lambert International Airport have added new industrial space, giving shippers options on both sides of the river.
Common lanes out of St. Louis
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Metro East (Edwardsville / Pontoon Beach)
Large Illinois distribution centers.
20 mi
St. Charles County / Wentzville
Missouri warehouses and GM's Wentzville plant.
35 mi
Springfield, IL
Central Illinois via I-55.
100 mi
Columbia, MO
Central Missouri via I-70.
125 mi
Kansas City
Western Missouri via I-70.
250 mi
Memphis
Tennessee via I-55.
285 mi
Booking drayage in St. Louis: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in St. Louis. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Know which side of the river
Terminals are on both Missouri and Illinois sides. Confirm the terminal to plan bridge crossings.
Avoid rush-hour bridges
Mississippi bridges can be congested. Early or midday moves are often faster.
Watch river flooding
Flood season can affect roads and rail near the rivers. Stay flexible in spring.
Compare railroads
With six Class I railroads, compare routings to your destination for cost and transit time.
Drayage markets near St. Louis
Many carriers that serve St. Louis also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in St. Louis, MO.