Shippers can now locate rail-accessible transload facilities on Patriot Rail Company’s 23-state network using Commtrex’s online marketplace, the short line holding company reported Feb. 26.
The Commtrex platform will simplify railroad-shipper communication, eliminating complexity, and increase Patriot Rail’s visibility, Patriot Rail said. Users can pinpoint its 11 transload facilities according to their specific requirements—searching by location, commodity type, capabilities or other criteria.
Texas-based Commtrex is said to have more than 4,300 active members, which include 2,200-plus shippers. It also partners with all six Class I railroads. Norfolk Southern signed on in 2022 and CN in 2020.
The Commtrex platform will allow Patriot Rail “to promote our growing transload network” and “meet increasing demands for transload services from our customers,” according to Tom Tisa, Chief Commercial Officer of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Patriot Rail, which has 30 short line subsidiaries and three scenic excursion trains. It is designed, he said, “to enhance the quality of data available to both rail carriers and customers, enabling us to identify shippers needing transload operations and develop solutions to meet their needs across our system.”
“We are honored to partner with Patriot Rail, a forward-thinking leader in the short line rail industry that is driving both efficiency, sustainability and growth through it expanding transload network,” Commtrex CEO Martin Lew said. “By integrating their transload facilities with our platform, we are providing shippers with seamless access to cost effective, environmentally friendly freight solutions that reduce truck dependency, optimize supply chains, and drive carload growth. We look forward to supporting Patriot Rail’s continued expansion and strengthening connectivity for rail-served customers across North America.”
