June 8, 2021 - TRA Newswire -

A Request For Proposals (RFP) is being issued by the Port of Corpus Christi Authority as it begins a search for a short-line rail operator. The authority is expected to select an operator in time for an August 2022 contract kickoff.

The RFP process will be led by Bluejay Advisors, according to a news release from the logistics and transportation advisory company.

In the past 12 months the port has exceed rail car volume with over 50,000 carloads, making the port the third largest in the U.S. by tonnage.

Port Corpus Christi is served by three Class I Railroads, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), Kansas City Southern (KCS), and Union Pacific (UP).  The port authority has invested nearly $680 million in infrastructure over the past 10 years, including two major railroad projects to expand capacity.

The port offers direct vessel-to-rail loading and unloading and near-site access.

Port staff have developed a master rail plan to accommodate railcar movements.