Before having a nearby on-ramp to Union Pacific’s rail lines, Idaho businesses either trucked their ag products across multiple states or drove to Salt Lake City to connect to rail lines. Now, they can load non-refrigerated products into containers and deliver them a shorter distance to the Pocatello railport. Savage teams place loaded containers of hay and other dry-bulk commodities onto railcars that are then transported by Union Pacific to the Northwest Seaport Alliance ports in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington.
According to Savage, having a direct rail connection in Pocatello provides a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly option than trucking ag products long distances. The new railport plays an important role in connecting supply chains and opening the door to new markets for Idaho’s ag products.
“Idaho's agricultural and business communities need dependable transportation to get product into global markets,” said Idaho Governor Brad Little. “Transportation infrastructure projects like this rail terminal in Pocatello can create opportunities for Idaho businesses to grow and can help support export prospects for more agriculture producers.”
“We’re excited to serve Idaho producers and shippers with intermodal export service,” said Kirk Aubry, Savage President and CEO. “The ability to ship containers out of Idaho directly to the Pacific Northwest by rail will open up supply chains and allow more Idaho businesses to access global markets.”
“This new business is uniquely focused on Idaho shippers’ needs and the global economic impact Pacific Northwest exports have around the world,” said Kari Kirchhoefer, Union Pacific Vice President – Marketing and Sales Premium. “Union Pacific’s unique collaboration with Savage uses intermodal containers heading to the Northwest ports. This partnership makes the most of the container’s round trip and saves truck drayage costs for Idaho shippers by providing a direct rail option.”
“We’re excited that Savage chose Pocatello for their intermodal facility,” said Mayor Brian Blad. “With the new facility, goods from businesses across Idaho will have an easier time getting to markets overseas.”
“As one of the top agricultural export gateways in North America, the Northwest Seaport Alliance congratulates Savage, Union Pacific Railroad, the city of Pocatello and the State of Idaho for partnering on this innovative project to support U.S. farmers and agricultural exports,” said Commissioner Dick Marzano, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair. “The new service will help lower export costs and increase volumes through our gateway. The Northwest Seaport Alliance looks forward to the successful launch of this new initiative.”
Savage is a family-owned company started in 1946 by a WWII veteran, Kenneth Savage, after he returned home to American Fork, Utah following his service in the U.S. Navy. Together with his father, C.A. Savage, Kenneth purchased a truck and began hauling coal, timber, cinder block and other materials. In time, Kenneth’s younger brothers Neal and Luke joined the family business. The Savage brothers built strong relationships with customers through their hard work, integrity and innovation.
This year, Savage is celebrating its 75th anniversary and a lot has changed. The company has grown from operating a single truck to being a global provider of industry infrastructure and supply chain services, with nearly 4,500 Team Members in over 200 locations. Today, Savage moves and manages materials using trains, trucks, marine vessels, and material handling systems. The company operates about 50 transload facilities as part of its Savage Transload Network across North America. In many cases, Savage provides engineering and construction services for the facilities and systems they operate.
“While there have been many changes since 1946, one thing that remains the same is our commitment to always do the right thing, find a better way, and make a difference,” said Brig Skoy, Savage Director of Business Development. “That’s how we’ve been successful and grown over 75 years, and that’s how we’ll continue to enable our customers and partners to feed the world, power our lives, and sustain the planet.”
For more information about Savage’s Pocatello railport, contact Brig Skoy at brigskoy@savageservices.com or 801-944-6535. To learn more about Savage and the services they provide, visit the company’s website at www.savageservices.com.
