New Orleans sits at the mouth of the Mississippi River where five Class I railroads converge with one of the world's busiest port complexes. The region is a global export gateway for grain, coal, and petroleum products. Rail lines along the river corridor connect the Gulf Coast refineries and chemical plants to markets throughout North America.
Railroads Serving New Orleans
New Orleans is served by BNSF, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX and Canadian National, providing extensive Class I railroad coverage for freight shippers in the New Orleans 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.
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Railway operates a major rail network in the eastern United States, serving 22 states. NS is a leading carrier for intermodal, coal, automotive, and merchandise freight.
CSX
CSX Transportation operates a rail network across 23 eastern states, connecting major ports, production centers, and population hubs. CSX handles intermodal, coal, chemicals, automotive, and agricultural freight.
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 New Orleans include:
- Avondale Yard (UP)
- Mays Yard (NS)
- Gentilly Yard (CSX)
- Huey P. Long Bridge crossing
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 New Orleans include:
- Grain
- Petroleum products
- Chemicals
- Coal
- Steel
- Fertilizer
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 New Orleans and Port of South Louisiana — among the world's largest by tonnage, with extensive rail-to-vessel transfer facilities.
Port access gives New Orleans 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 New Orleans?
Steel Wheel Logistics specializes in bulk commodity rail freight. Whether you are shipping grain, petroleum products, chemicals, or other goods by rail from New Orleans, LA, we can help coordinate competitive rates, car supply, and logistics with the Class I railroads serving your area.
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