OmniTRAX, Ports of Indiana partner on freight hub
The opening of the Mount Vernon Railroad, a collaborative venture between OmniTRAX, the largest privately held and family-owned U.S. rail transportation company, and Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon, Indiana’s largest port, heralds a new freight initiative for southwest Indiana. This “mega-modal” opportunity is centered around the development of the port’s 500-acre multimodal megasite.
At the core of this development lies an economic prospect centered around the port’s 500-acre multimodal megasite. The Mount Vernon Railroad, owned by Ports of Indiana and operated by OmniTRAX, serves as the switching carrier for the port, which handles an impressive 25,000 railcars annually.
Ports of Indiana is making a substantial $25 million investment to stimulate growth across various sectors, including steel, automotive, plastics, energy, and heavy industry. This investment aims to attract large multimodal industries that rely on both inland barge and rail transportation.
The port boasts access to four Class I railroads and is part of the largest inland port district in the United States by tonnage. Officials envision further development resources from OmniTRAX’s parent company, The Broe Group, a multibillion-dollar private infrastructure firm with diverse holdings across 41 North American states and provinces.
OmniTRAX’s extensive operations encompass 29 industrial railroads throughout the United States and Canada, complemented by 52 transload facilities and five industrial parks. The partners emphasize that this network positions the Mount Vernon Railroad as a pivotal player in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
“Our ports and railroads are pivotal to Indiana businesses and Gov. [Mike] Braun’s economic growth plans,” emphasized Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams during the ceremony. These state-owned ports serve as crucial rail and maritime connections for Hoosier companies, generating an annual economic impact of $8.7 billion while employing 50,000 individuals. This new partnership with OmniTRAX presents a significant opportunity for growth in southwest Indiana by both supporting existing businesses and attracting new investments.
OmniTRAX Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Higgins highlighted the port’s unique advantage, describing it as a “hidden gem” due to its strategic location that provides easy access to the U.S. agricultural and industrial heartland.
Mount Vernon is one of the three inland ports in Indiana, alongside Jeffersonville and Burns Harbor.
