How container drayage works in Wallula and the Tri-Cities
Tri-Cities Intermodal is building a rail ramp in Wallula, on the former Cold Connect site, with Union Pacific service to the Port of Tacoma. It gives Southeast Washington food and farm exporters a rail option to the coast.
- Rail ramp
- Tri-Cities Intermodal (TCI), Wallula
- Port link
- Union Pacific to Tacoma
- Main cargo
- Frozen potato products, fruit and other farm exports
- Counties
- Walla Walla, Benton, Franklin and Umatilla
More about drayage in Wallula / Tri-Cities
Tri-Cities Intermodal (TCI) signed a lease-purchase agreement with Union Pacific to acquire the former Cold Connect warehouse property in Wallula and develop an adjacent intermodal ramp. TCI has moved its first loads to the Northwest Seaport Alliance's Port of Tacoma, giving regional shippers a rail option for exports.
Wallula has a long history with refrigerated rail: Union Pacific's former Cold Connect service carried perishables from the area. The new ramp aims to restore and expand container service for food and agricultural exports. Local drayage carriers move containers between the ramp and processors, cold storage warehouses and farms in Walla Walla, Benton, Franklin and Umatilla counties.
1
Rail ramp
Railroads
Union Pacific · BNSF
Main highways
US-12 · US-395 · I-82 · I-84 · SR-14
Container terminals and rail ramps in Wallula / Tri-Cities
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Wallula / Tri-Cities area.
Rail ramp
Tri-Cities Intermodal (Wallula)
Rail ramp · Tri-Cities Intermodal / Union Pacific
Intermodal ramp developed at the former Cold Connect warehouse in Wallula, with Union Pacific service and first loads to the Port of Tacoma.
Food processing and agriculture
The Tri-Cities region is a center of food processing, with potato and vegetable plants, fruit packers and wineries. Frozen potato products are a major export to Asia. Apples, cherries, onions, wheat and hay are also grown in the area. Many exports need refrigerated containers or careful weight planning. Wine from the Walla Walla Valley and Columbia Valley adds specialty export freight.
Energy and industry
The Hanford Site near Richland and energy facilities in the region generate specialized freight, including equipment and materials. Pulp and paper production at Wallula and other industrial plants also ship and receive cargo. Some industrial freight may require hazmat or oversized handling.
Routes and river connections
US Highway 12 and US-395 connect Wallula with the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla, while Interstate 82 runs toward Yakima and I-84 across the Columbia into Oregon. The Columbia and Snake rivers carry barge traffic, mainly grain, to Portland and other lower river ports. Summer heat and winter wind and ice can affect road conditions in the area.
The Tri-Cities food processing economy
Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, together known as the Tri-Cities, sit at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers. Irrigated farmland around the area produces potatoes, apples, cherries, grapes, onions, corn and hay, and food processing is one of the region's largest industries.
Potato processors make frozen fries and other products for export to Asia, and fruit packers ship apples and cherries worldwide. Many of these exports require refrigerated containers.
For years, regional exporters had to truck containers to Seattle, Tacoma or Portland. Tri-Cities Intermodal's ramp at Wallula offers a rail alternative that can reduce costs and truck miles.
Wallula's industrial site
Wallula, southeast of Pasco near the mouth of the Walla Walla River, has long been an industrial and transportation hub. Union Pacific's main line passes through the area, and the site of the former Cold Connect refrigerated warehouse has been reused for the new intermodal ramp. The location offers access to US-12 and US-395 and is within a short drive of the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla.
As the ramp develops, local drayage carriers are positioning themselves to serve exporters across Southeast Washington and Northeast Oregon.
Common lanes out of Wallula / Tri-Cities
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Pasco / Kennewick
Tri-Cities food processing and warehouses.
20 mi
Walla Walla
Wine country and agriculture via US-12.
30 mi
Hermiston, OR
Northeast Oregon food processing via I-82/US-395.
30 mi
Yakima
Central Washington via I-82.
85 mi
Spokane
Inland Northwest via US-395.
140 mi
Tacoma
Port of Tacoma; truck alternative to rail.
230 mi
Booking drayage in Wallula / Tri-Cities: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Wallula / Tri-Cities. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Ask about TCI rail service
Confirm schedules and routing for containers moving via Tri-Cities Intermodal.
Book reefer capacity
Frozen and fresh exports need reefers. Reserve equipment early.
Plan weight carefully
Hay and some foods can be heavy. Share weights for chassis planning.
Watch mountain passes
Truck moves to Tacoma cross the Cascades. Rail can be more reliable in winter.
Drayage markets near Wallula / Tri-Cities
Many carriers that serve Wallula / Tri-Cities also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Wallula / Tri-Cities, WA.