Utah took center stage at the One Utah Summit on Tuesday as leaders from BNSF Railway, Patriot Rail, and the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) shared how a first-of-its-kind partnership has reshaped the state’s freight landscape.
During the mainstage discussion, “Forging New Connections: BNSF’s Entry into Utah’s Intermodal Market,” BNSF Vice President of International Intermodal Brandon Unterbrink, Patriot Rail CEO Brandy Christian, and UIPA Board Chair Abby Osborne explored how new intermodal service by BNSF strengthens supply chain resilience, unlocks global market access, and drives long-term economic growth.
A 100-Day Milestone Built on Collaboration
In just 100 days, partners across the public and private sectors came together to stand up a new intermodal terminal operated by Patriot Rail, offering BNSF customers direct access to Utah’s fast-growing logistics network.
“It took all parts—state, city, federal, and private—to make this happen,” said Unterbrink. “There isn’t one player who can take credit, and that’s what makes it remarkable.”
Christian, who led Patriot Rail’s on-the-ground implementation of the project, echoed the sentiment:
“You can’t stand up a new intermodal service in 100 days unless every partner is moving in the same direction.”
The partnership represents a significant milestone for Utah’s economy and logistics competitiveness. For decades, Utah was served by a single Class I rail carrier for intermodal transport. With BNSF’s entry into the market, shippers now have direct competition—and new options to move goods efficiently and cost-effectively.
A Competitive Edge for Utah Businesses
BNSF’s service provides Utah manufacturers, exporters, and distributors with greater flexibility and pricing power, strengthening the state’s ability to attract new business investment and expand global reach.
“Competition makes you better,” said Unterbrink. “It sharpens service, improves pricing, and gives shippers more options.”
Osborne emphasized what this means for Utah’s long-term growth:
“This isn’t just about rail—it’s about creating opportunity for Utah’s manufacturers, exporters, and rural communities. Competition drives innovation, and Utah is proving once again that partnership is its greatest advantage.”
Utah: The Crossroads of the West
The new service builds on Utah’s growing reputation as a national logistics hub. From advanced manufacturing in Salt Lake City’s Northwest Quadrant to rail-connected sites in rural Utah, UIPA and its partners are working to expand intermodal capacity and strengthen connections across the state.
“Utah has become the crossroads of the West—and now, with dual intermodal service, that’s truer than ever,” said Osborne.
For UIPA, the partnership reflects its mission to foster infrastructure, competition, and sustainable logistics statewide. It’s a step forward not only for Utah businesses but for the nation’s broader supply chain network.
“It was done on a handshake,” Unterbrink reflected. “That’s the Utah way of doing business.”
Published: 10/08/25
Author: Kaitlin Felsted