New choices: BNSF expands intermodal rail option between Phoenix and North Texas

Railroad aims at growing conversion market

(Photo: BNSF)

BNSF Railway announced an expanded intermodal service connecting the Phoenix metropolitan area with Dallas-Fort Worth, offering shippers a faster, more economical freight option between two of the Southwest’s fastest-growing markets.

The enhanced service is aimed at converting over-the-road truck freight to rail, completing the Phoenix-to-North Texas route in just over three days from train departure to availability. Driven by rising customer demand, the service will now run six days a week.

“We’re seeing more customers looking for capacity solutions as we head into the domestic peak shipping season, while continuing to manage their transportation costs,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF (NYSE: BRK-B) Group Vice President of Consumer Products, in a release. “This expanded service responds to rapidly changing market conditions and offers a solution that combines reliable transit, access to key markets and the advantages of intermodal transportation.”

The move comes as railroads compete aggressively for freight traditionally moved by truck, particularly ahead of the domestic peak shipping season when shippers face tighter capacity and higher highway rates. BNSF’s emphasis on transit reliability and frequency positions the Phoenix-DFW lane as a key corridor in the carrier’s intermodal network.

The service operates through the Alliance Intermodal Facility in North Texas, and provides access to a broad transportation ecosystem, substantial warehouse and distribution capacity, and connectivity to major consumer markets across the United States.

The expansion also sets the stage for future growth in Arizona. Construction is underway on Logistics Park Phoenix (LPP), BNSF’s second intermodal facility in the Phoenix area. The first phase of LPP is slated to open in early 2027 and is designed to support continued economic growth and supply chain investment in the region. LPP is part of BNSF’s broader logistics park strategy, which links industrial development with intermodal infrastructure to create additional supply chain efficiencies.

“As freight capacity and demand continue to evolve, we remain focused on investing in solutions that help customers grow with BNSF,” Gabriel said. “The Phoenix and North Texas markets represent significant opportunities for shippers, and this service expansion is another step toward providing the infrastructure and transportation solutions needed to support that growth.”

Subscribe to FreightWaves’ Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox.

Read more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

Read more:

Battle of the briefs: UP-NS fires back at AGs anti-merger letter

Rail freight stretches lead over 2025

Federal court upholds challenge to FRA’s two-person rail crew rule

BNSF earnings rise on higher volume and revenue

AAR launches freight rail research consortium 

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Stuart Chirls

Stuart Chirls is a journalist who has covered the full breadth of railroads, intermodal, container shipping, ports, supply chain and logistics for Railway Age, the Journal of Commerce and IANA. He has also staffed at S&P, McGraw-Hill, United Business Media, Advance Media, Tribune Co., The New York Times Co., and worked in supply chain with BASF, the world's largest chemical producer. Reach him at stuartchirls@firecrown.com.