Houston is one of America's largest rail freight hubs, anchored by Union Pacific and BNSF operations that connect the petrochemical corridor along the Gulf Coast to markets nationwide. The city's rail network handles massive volumes of petroleum products, chemicals, and plastics from the surrounding refinery complex, along with grain exports moving through the Port of Houston.
Railroads Serving Houston
Houston is served by BNSF, Union Pacific and Canadian National, providing extensive Class I railroad coverage for freight shippers in the Houston metro area.
BNSF
BNSF Railway operates one of the largest rail networks in North America, covering the western two-thirds of the United States. BNSF is a major carrier for intermodal, coal, grain, and industrial products.
Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad operates the largest rail network in the U.S., spanning 23 states across the western two-thirds of the country. UP handles diverse freight including intermodal, industrial, coal, and agricultural products.
Canadian National
Canadian National Railway operates a transcontinental network spanning Canada and the central U.S. from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. CN handles intermodal, petroleum, forest products, and grain.
Understanding how Class I and short line railroads work together is key to efficient rail shipping. Read our guide: Short Line vs Class I Railroads.
Key Rail Terminals & Yards
Major rail facilities in and around Houston include:
- Englewood Yard (UP)
- Settegast Yard (UP)
- Pearland Yard (BNSF)
- Strang Yard (BNSF)
These facilities handle car classification, intermodal transfers, and bulk commodity loading and unloading operations. Learn how classification yards sort and route freight in our article: How Railroad Classification Yards Work.
Commodities Shipped by Rail
Key commodities moving by rail through Houston include:
- Petroleum products
- Chemicals
- Plastics
- Steel
- Grain
- Aggregates
Rail is the most cost-effective way to move bulk commodities over long distances. See our rail vs truck cost comparison to understand when rail makes sense for your freight.
Intermodal & Port Connections
Port of Houston — one of the busiest ports in the U.S. with direct rail connections via UP and BNSF.
Port access gives Houston shippers the advantage of rail-to-vessel transloading for international trade. Whether you are exporting bulk commodities or importing containerized freight, the combination of rail and port infrastructure creates efficient multimodal supply chain options.
Learn more about how transloading works in our guide: What Is Transloading?
Ready to Ship by Rail from Houston?
Steel Wheel Logistics specializes in bulk commodity rail freight. Whether you are shipping petroleum products, chemicals, plastics, or other goods by rail from Houston, TX, we can help coordinate competitive rates, car supply, and logistics with the Class I railroads serving your area.
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