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Rail Modal Group Celebrates 1000th Train in U.S. as It Comes Out of the Minot Intermodal Facility, Continuing Regional Economic Impact

Posted: Sep 09 2025

Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) is excited to announce that Rail Modal Group (RMG), in partnership with BNSF Railway, recently celebrated the loading of its 1,000th train in the United States that came right out of the Minot intermodal facility, a remarkable achievement for the country’s logistics ecosystem. According to BNSF, RMG is the largest partner in the Matchback program, averaging 15 to 20 trains per month and now celebrating this significant milestone with the team in Minot.

Since its founding, RMG has expanded its inland port operations across multiple states, with Minot serving as a critical hub. The Matchback program allows empty containers to be repositioned, loaded locally, and sent back to West Coast ports, enabling regional producers to efficiently access global markets. This 1,000th train signals strong demand and trust in intermodal capabilities.

At the heart of this success is the Logistics Park North Dakota (LPND), a sprawling 800-acre development anchored by the Minot Intermodal Facility. The intermodal facility includes more than 130 rail-serviced acres and three miles of track tied into BNSF’s mainline. MACEDC has played a pivotal role in its development, from purchasing asset rights to securing key partnerships, and driving the long-term leasing and operational model of the intermodal port.

The economic ripple effects extend beyond rail operations. The intermodal service reduces reliance on long-haul trucking, lowering shipping costs and increasing competitiveness for local producers. With access to U.S. ports in Seattle and Tacoma, and access to dozens of international ports around the world, commodities like soybeans, pulses, DDGs, and other agricultural goods can now flow efficiently to international markets.

“This milestone marks more than a logistics success - it represents jobs, investment, and economic growth in the region,” said Greg Oberting, Rail Modal Group CEO. “We’re honored to be part of Minot’s vision for long-term development and proud to contribute to North Dakota’s role in feeding the world.”

Looking ahead, MACEDC and its partners see opportunities for expansion – both in the number of trains and in the diversity of shipped commodities. With hundreds of acres of shovel-ready property within the LPND, new industrial and logistics facilities can be sited directly adjacent to rail service, reducing startup time and risk for future investors.

“Minot has positioned itself as a competitive player in global logistics. With shovel-ready property and a strong intermodal partner in Rail Modal Group, we’re not just moving goods. we’re moving economic opportunity forward,” said Brekka Kramer, MACEDC President | CEO. “This is just the beginning. The success of RMG and the intermodal facility sets the stage for additional investment and growth. We’re excited for what this means for our community and the businesses we serve.”

As the Minot area is the location for this landmark achievement, the message is clear: the infrastructure is in place, the partnerships are strong, and the momentum is real. MACEDC remains committed to supporting further expansion, maintaining competitive rail capacity, and ensuring that local producers, and businesses of all types, can take full advantage of this strategic gateway.