Port Rail is a short-line railroad operating in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It operates on 11 miles of track from its western terminus at the Port of Lake Charles City Docks to the Chennault area east of Lake Charles, where it connects with major rail carriers. Port Rail transports grains and other cargoes to the Port for outbound shipping. Port Rail uses two GATX locomotives to move cargo trains to and from the Port of Lake Charles. The company has six employees and is managed by Executive Director Derek Midkiff.
Port Rail, Inc., is a Louisiana corporation established in 2014. Port Rail is governed by a five-member board of directors.“Running a railroad that’s as safe as it is efficient is a top priority,” said Midkiff. “Our trains are equipped with front and rear cameras and other safety devices, and we communicate proactively with the public, the City of Lake Charles and with Port officials.”
Port Rail has adopted a mobile GPS tracking system that provides minute-by-minute train location updates on mobile devices and on the Port Rail website to help public transportation, emergency responders and the everyday commuter adjust routes as trains are moved.