By PraxiChain’s Port & Rail Experts
Tonnage targets, new cargo customers, federal funding opportunities — the work of growing a port doesn’t stop because trade policy is in flux or a rail merger is under review.
PraxiChain helps mid-tier and regional ports pursue their growth agenda confidently, with senior advisors who understand exactly what these disruptions mean for your specific situation — and where the opportunities lie.
Download our capabilities overview, which includes recent project vignettes and the federal funding available now.
The Disruptions Creating New Openings Right Now
Tariff Policy & Trade Realignment
Sweeping tariff changes — driven by geopolitical shifts and manufacturing realignment — are redirecting cargo flows. Mid-tier ports with the right commercial strategy are positioned to capture volume that wasn’t accessible before.
The UP-NS Rail Merger
The proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger will restructure inland rail connectivity. For smaller port markets, this creates both exposure and opportunity — and the STB review window is the moment to act, not after service patterns are set.
“We’ve sat in the seat you’re in. PraxiChain consultants have developed port strategy, negotiated with Class I railroads, secured nine-figure federal grants, and managed P&Ls for major infrastructure enterprises. We don’t theorize about your challenges — we’ve solved them.”
Where Growth Is Happening — and Where We Help You Capture It
Cargo Niche Development
Identify underserved segments and diverted trade flows your port is positioned to win, with the shipper targeting and a commercial approach to convert opportunity into volume.
Federal Funding Strategy
End-to-end strategy across PIDP, CRISI, and BUILD (formerly RAISE) — from opportunity identification through application and execution. We’ve secured nine-figure federal awards for port and rail clients.
Rail Access & Merger Advisory
Understand your exposure now, file your intent, and define your carrier conditions. Inland reach is a growth lever — the window to secure and shape it is open now.
Federal Capital Is Available Right Now
The FY2026 PIDP round is open with nearly $500M available — including a dedicated small ports set-aside — and a June 27 deadline. CRISI funding of $2B was recently announced with an application deadline of June 22, 2026.
Federal grants are one of the highest-leverage growth tools available to mid-tier ports. If your port isn’t already scoping an application, the window is closing soon.
Request a Complimentary Port Growth Assessment
Access the Mid-Tier & Regional Ports Capabilities Overview
In 30 minutes, we’ll identify your highest-leverage growth opportunities — cargo niches worth pursuing, federal funding you’re eligible for, and rail access moves to make before the merger window closes.
Contact PraxiChain to schedule a consultation.
Derrick W. Smith is a Project Manager, Commercial Strategy at PraxiChain and a former VP of Strategic Business Development at CSX Transportation.
Patricia “Trish” Haver is a Senior Advisor, Port & Rail Strategy at PraxiChain. She previously served as CEO of Pyxis Associates, COO of Dreamstar Lines, Chief Commercial Officer of NC Railroad, and VP of Strategy & Industrial Development at the Port of New Orleans.
Bill Foust is a Project Manager, Railroad & Equipment Strategy at PraxiChain and a former Director of Equipment & Marketing at BNSF Railway.
James Johansson is a Senior Consultant, Port & Intermodal Operations at PraxiChain and a former Director of Port Operations, Los Angeles/Long Beach, at BNSF Railway.
