The Port of Los Angeles has seen a significant upgrade in its rail infrastructure with APM Terminals completing a $73 million expansion project at Pier 400. The new facility now boasts 12 working tracks and 11 storage tracks, effectively doubling the terminal's capacity. This upgrade is expected to have a positive impact on the region's supply chain efficiency.
The increased capacity will enable a 104% increase in rail moves since 2023, with the terminal now handling up to 11,000 rail lifts per week. This makes Pier 400 one of the busiest among U.S. ports, catering to major carriers like BNSF and Union Pacific. The upgraded facility is designed to streamline the container handling process, reducing dwell times for import trains.
The strategic upgrade aims to enhance the Port of LA's attractiveness as a gateway for cargo owners who rely on fast, efficient, and well-connected supply chains to serve their customers. This is particularly important for industries that require rapid transportation of goods to meet customer demands. By providing a reliable and efficient rail network, APM Terminals is helping to reduce transit times and increase the overall competitiveness of the Port of LA.
The facility's new design features on-dock storage, allowing containers to be transferred directly from the boat to the train before leaving the gate. This innovative approach enables faster transit times and reduces the risk of delays. The increased storage capacity will also benefit operations throughout Terminal Island, creating additional flexibility for an area with multiple rail yards served by only one bridge.
APM Terminals has implemented a lean manufacturing-inspired operating system to manage its rail terminal. By calculating equipment dispatch rates based on planned move counts, defining repeatable routes with known cycle times, and maintaining structured yard observations, the company aims to minimize bottlenecks and optimize container handling. This approach enables the rail terminal to run more like a production line than a port.
The success of this operating system is evident in the reduced dwell times for import trains at Pier 400. By consistently delivering sub-three-day transit times, APM Terminals is demonstrating its commitment to providing efficient and reliable services to its customers. This level of service is critical for industries that rely on fast and flexible transportation solutions.
The expansion project marks an important milestone in the Port of Los Angeles' efforts to enhance its competitiveness as a major cargo gateway. By investing in modern infrastructure and implementing innovative operational practices, APM Terminals is helping to drive growth and efficiency in the region's supply chain ecosystem.
As the Port of Long Beach continues to build its on-dock rail capacity, this development highlights the importance of investing in rail infrastructure to support the growth of intermodal trade. By providing a reliable and efficient rail network, APM Terminals is helping to create a more competitive and resilient supply chain landscape.
The completion of this project demonstrates APM Terminals' commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By leveraging lean manufacturing principles and on-dock storage, the company has created a modern and efficient rail terminal that is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
