Port of Quincy holds grand opening for new "Cold Train" intermodal service

April 28, 2010 - PRLog -- QUINCY, WASH - A celebration of a new refrigerated intermodal container service was held on April 20th at the Port of Quincy's Intermodal Terminal, where about 100 people attended.  The new "Cold Train" service began April 1st from the Port of Quincy to Chicago, and the service is being touted as helping perishable shippers and growers bring their product to market more quickly.

The event was organized and emceed by Pat Boss, the Director of Economic Development for the Port of Quincy, who stated that the new service will provide a new cost effective and competitive alternative for potato and apple and other produce shippers in Washington State to get their products quickly to market.

Rep. Mike Armstrong, one of the speakers at the event, said the Port of Quincy appears ahead of its time in preparing for shipping changes at the Panama Canal.  The Canal will be widened and opened in the next few years, Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, predicted Tuesday.  It's possible shipping could be diverted to Savannah, Houston and Galveston.  "It's critical we have direct access (to the Midwest)," Armstrong said.  "11 percent of the US population lives within a 200-mile radius of Chicago, providing more customers for Washington state produce."

Mike Begnaud, Rail Logistics vice president of sales and marketing, which owns the refrigerated containers, said in the first week of service, the company completed eight shipments.  "I think we have 16 or 18 (shipments) now," Begnaud says.  He described customers as large retail outlets in Chicago and some regional outlets.  In Washington state, customers include larger and medium-sized shippers, growers and packers.  "It's been going really well," he said.  The train is arriving in Chicago faster than trucks and is meeting the delivery schedule.  Customers accepting the loads have been impressed with the quality of the equipment and the ride, he said.

Washington State Director of Agriculture Dan Newhouse stated the service "is going to be huge" for Washington State produce shippers.  The service will open markets in the Midwest, making the state more competitive.  "I think we'll see some benefits," Newhouse said.  During his talk for the event, he said the state is better situated than others for Asian markets.  With US markets, he spoke of the benefits of shortening the distance.  "That's a big deal," Newhouse said. "My hat is off to the Port of Quincy for doing this.  This is going to have a tremendous positive economic impact on our state."

Curt Morris, a Port of Quincy commissioner, said the day has been a "long time in coming" and the start of service was an "exciting day."  "We now have a direct main line shot from Quincy to Chicago," Morris said.  
   
Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, said she was told four years ago the project wouldn't happen because Burlington-Northern wouldn't stop in Quincy.  "It is fantastic this has come to fruition and I'm so excited about it," she commented.  She congratulated those involved for their persistence and perseverance.

Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, called the project a great success story and a team effort.  He thanked the Port of Quincy for its vision on the project.

Sheila Babb read a letter from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., congratulating the Port of Quincy for diversifying the economy. She also mentioned Sen. Patty Murray's help in getting some of the funding for the project.

Marcus Riccelli read a letter for Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., stating the "Cold Train" will provide growers with a "rapid, reliable, cost-effective way" to ship products and further showcase the state's agricultural products.

Barb Lisk read a letter from Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash.  "You have shown the community and state what can be done when energy and determination is applied," he stated.

Egils Milbergs, executive director of the state Economic Development Commission, said innovation is key in bringing the country out of a recession. Not all innovations come from Seattle and he recognized Port of Quincy officials aren't just working on a single innovation.

Grant County Commissioner Cindy Carter spoke of the benefits of an expanded market for local growers.  She said Grant County has a strong economy, as it was one of two counties that didn't have to change its courthouse hours due to a revenue deficit.

Grant County Economic Development Council Executive Director Terry Brewer spoke of the team effort by the Port of Quincy with Grant County EDC and various leaders in the private and public sectors.  

Don McGraw, president/CEO/owner of Columbia Colstor, said the project's completion shows the political system does work.  With the help of the Port of Quincy and many elected officials, there's now a "fantastic operation we're very proud of," McGraw said.  "We hope we can get this intermodal going both ways."