Chicago, also known as the “City of Big Shoulders,” carries a significant weight in America’s intermodal freight network. As the nation’s largest intermodal hub, Chicago connects the vast American freight system, allowing for the smooth flow of commodities across the country and beyond.
Chicago’s intermodal hub is a lively intersection where the eastern and western train networks converge. This unique geographical advantage enables the city to efficiently handle a vast volume of cargo, with goods moving in and out from all directions.
The hub is served by all seven Class I railroads in the United States, including BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, Norfolk Southern Railway, and CSX Transportation. This vast rail connectivity, combined with the city’s closeness to major highways and O’Hare International Airport, results in an unequaled multimodal transportation network.
Chicago’s intermodal terminals are among the largest and most modern in the world. Shipping containers are quickly shifted between trains and trucks here, reducing delays and ensuring goods arrive on time. These terminals are hives of activity, functioning around the clock and handling millions of containers each year.
In essence, Chicago’s intermodal hub is the beating heart of the United States’ freight network, throbbing to the beat of the global supply chain. Its importance in facilitating trade and supporting economic progress underscores Chicago’s standing as a true powerhouse of American logistics.
