Consultants say inland intermodal service rarely competitive for Central and Eastern Washington; empty‑container supply critical

Consultants presenting the inland intermodal feasibility study told the board that geography and import–export imbalances limit the business case for new inland intermodal terminals across much of Central and Eastern Washington. "My name is Tina with Frontier. Today, we'll be providing you an update on the inland intermodal feasibility study," the presenter said, opening the update, and later analysis showed that hay accounted for "something like 43%" of exports from certain inland locations.

Presenters emphasized that intermodal succeeds only in special circumstances: rail and ocean‑carrier participation, a reliable supply of empty containers for one‑way moves, and strong private commitments. The study recommended that the board treat applications on a case‑by‑case basis, require robust shipper and carrier commitments in proposals, explore empty‑container depots or domestic intermodal options, and prioritize projects with demonstrable market demand rather than rely on subsidy to sustain operations.