Client: Gulf Coast Port Authority

Introduction

A Gulf Coast port authority engaged our port and rail experts to evaluate and restructure its terminal railroad’s lease and tariff provisions, reverse operating losses, and build a long-term rail capital strategy aligned with a $1.5B container terminal investment.

The Challenge

The terminal railroad was generating operating losses under existing commercial and operational structures, undermining the port authority’s ability to position rail as a competitive asset. A $1.5B container terminal investment was underway, requiring a credible rail infrastructure roadmap to attract and support major terminal development.

What We Did

  • Engineered a six-month financial turnaround through revised commercial and operational structures, eliminating operating losses and restoring sustained railroad profitability.
  • Built a 10-year rail capital strategy aligned with the port authority’s $1.5B container terminal investment.
  • Secured $7.3M in CRISI federal grant funding to accelerate rail infrastructure improvements, reducing the port’s own capital burden.

Results

Capital investment and operational improvements drove 25% intermodal growth and 33% productivity gains within the port terminal railroad.