PRIME’S NEWEST INTERMODAL HUB

There is good news for drivers who have experienced heavy traffic at the Minooka, Illinois, terminal. Prime has recently acquired a terminal in Bedford Park,Illinois,thatwillhelpalleviate the strain on the Minooka location. The Bedford Park intermodal hub has previouslybeeninoperation,butitwas serving multiple carriers and primarily Prime’sintermodaldivision.Withthe new acquisition, the hub will only service Prime driving associates and be accessible to the over-the-road divisions.

When the previous owners of the hub, Intermodal Maintenance Group, decided to sell the hub, Prime knew it had to seize the opportunity, says Ryan Harrington, the head of Prime’s intermodal division. “If we hadn’t purchased the hub, another trucking company would have, and we would have lost the chance to help our drivers in this important location.” More than30%ofintermodalvolumeruns through Chicago, and 50% of all shipments move through the area, so having two touch points will benefit drivers across all divisions and give intermodal a place to call home.

While the Bedford Park hub is on the smaller side, it will still have 11 maintenance bays and space for more than 300 trailers plus plenty of yard space. It is a newer building with a similar look to Prime’s other terminals, which makes it a perfect new addition. The location will also offer a driver area with restrooms and locker space. The hub doesn’t currently provide food service, but there is a plan to add the amenity in the future.

“We are really excited about acquiring this facility,” Ryan says. “This new hubdemonstratesPrime’scommitment to growth in intermodal services and expands the company’s footprint in Chicago.” While the new Bedford Park hubmightbeintermodal-based,OTR drivers will still benefit from the additional facility. “This terminal will also supportourOTRdivisions,”explains Ryan, “by providing yard space, maintenance for trucks and trailers, and a place for drivers to rest.”

Another benefit is that the new hub will help Prime expand its drayage capacity. “This gives us the ability to provide enhanced service for our intermodal customers,” Ryan says. “We believe that having our own facility will help us grow our driver base.”

While the facility isn’t quite in Prime’s handsyet,itwillbesoon,anddrivers will be feeling the benefits of Prime’s growth and having two facilities in such a high-traffic location.

By The Numbers

11

300

10.5

3,500

The number of maintenance bays in the new terminal.

That’s how parking spots are at the terminal.

The number of acres the new terminal covers.

Is how many square feet of office space is inside the terminal.

5 Is the number of truck-level docks with levelers.