Indiana River and Rail Terminals Expands Capacity

Indiana River & Rail Terminals has recently boosted its capacity at the Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville by a whopping 40%! This expansion allows the terminal operator to handle more barge shipments of steel and general cargo, making it a key player in the Ohio River region.

By leasing their fourth building within the port, Indiana River & Rail Terminals now boasts an impressive storage capacity of 350,000 square feet. This joint venture between Ports of Indiana and Superior River Terminals Indiana is a significant figure in the area, managing seven buildings and 2,200 acres across two ports in Mount Vernon and Jeffersonville.

With a track record of consistent double-digit growth since 2022, fueled by high demand and strategic advantages, Indiana River & Rail Terminals is ready to serve even more customers and tackle larger cargo volumes. By the end of 2024, the port was almost at full capacity for steel shipments, leading the operator to lease a new 156,000-square-foot building in Jeffersonville. This addition supplements their existing warehouse space, bringing their total operation area to over 350,000 square feet.

“Indiana River & Rail’s growth is a testament to our strong partnership and the growing need for versatile logistics solutions in southern Indiana,” shared Jody Peacock, CEO of Ports of Indiana. “We are thrilled to support this expansion and ensure that Jeffersonville remains a pivotal hub for barge, rail, and truck shipments.”

The new capacity at Indiana River & Rail Terminals opens up opportunities for Foreign-Trade Zone storage, handling heavy lift cargo, rail transload services, and supports increased barge, rail, and truck operations. This expansion not only signifies an increase in square footage but also in opportunity and efficiency.

“We’re not just adding space – we’re creating opportunities,” said Jonathan Lamb, President of IRRT. “This expansion is about meeting demand and staying ahead of the curve. Jeffersonville is ready for more, and we’re building the capacity to deliver.”

Moreover, the outdoor storage facility created by Ports of Indiana’s Marine Highway grant will further improve the capabilities of Indiana River & Rail Terminals, benefiting local steel companies like Nucor and reducing truck traffic on local highways.

Indiana River & Rail Terminals serves as a prime example of growth through collaboration, marrying operational expertise with economic development to bring significant returns to the region. Ports of Indiana-Jeffersonville Port Director George Ott highlighted the commitment of these partners to providing efficient, customer-centric solutions that foster economic development and global trade.

With this expansion, Jeffersonville is now in a position to cater to a broader range of industries and cargo types, offering speed, reliability, and service advantages as a dynamic port. Indiana River & Rail Terminals is well-prepared to handle the demands of the future with its enhanced facilities and skilled local workforce.