Le Mars, Iowa – October 28, 2026 -- The Le Mars Transload Center (LMTC) is being expanded with a 0% interest loan from the Iowa Department of Transportation's Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program (RRLG), as demand for rail-to-truck transloading and third-party logistics services outgrows the current facility.
Facility and surrounding park handle nearly 2,000 railcars a year
The LMTC, owned and operated by Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY), opened in 2015 as a joint project of the City of Le Mars, BJRY and Canadian National Railway (CN). The transload facility and the surrounding industrial park manage nearly 2,000 railcars annually.
The site sits in the Le Mars Industrial Park at 1618 27th St. SW, adjacent to CN tracks and U.S. Highway 75. Companies of any size can use direct rail service there, including those without rail at their own location. The city expects new jobs and incremental tax revenue.
State, city and railroads back the build-out
The RRLG funds rail facility improvements that create jobs and spur economic activity. Iowa DOT Director Scott Marler said the project helps businesses move goods efficiently and reliably across Iowa.
Le Mars Mayor Rob Bixenman described the project as continued investment in the city as a logistics and transportation center in the Midwest. Sandra Ellis, CN Vice-President, Bulk & Business Development, said the expansion connects local businesses to CN's North American rail network and helps Iowa companies reach new markets.
BJRY President and CEO Peter Hoth said the railway will keep providing its "white glove" rail switching services to customers and transload partners in Le Mars.
Officials mark the expansion on October 29
City representatives, Iowa transportation officials, economic partners and rail and trucking industry representatives will hold a celebration at the LMTC at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 29.