2024 Tacoma Rail Highlights
Overview
Efficient and Reliable Service
Since 1914, Tacoma Rail has proudly delivered efficient, cost-effective rail service, and 2024 was no exception. We continued to serve key territories, including the Port of Tacoma, and Tacoma’s industrial areas (Tidelands Division), and Lakeview (Capital Division).
We also advanced our environmental sustainability by securing an $8.3 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant from the Federal Railroad Administration. This funding will help repower four Tier 0 diesel-electric switcher locomotives. with cleaner Tier 4 diesel engines of comparable horsepower for use at Tacoma Rail’s rail yard.
- 100% on-time outbound intermodal train performance
- 99% on-time commercial traffic spotting performance.
Tidelands Division
- Intermodal platform volumes increased by 16% over 2023.
- Domestic intermodal traffic decreased by 16%, while international trade remained volatile
- Unit trains and other commercial traffic rose by 3%, led by an 11% increase at Seaport Sound Terminal.
We continued to focus on meeting Washington’s environmental rules that mandate executing oil spill contingency plans. In 2024, Tacoma Rail completed three Department of Ecology supervised spill drills.
Capital Division
- Saw a 14% increase in total traffic: from 678 carloads in 2023 to 770 carloads in 2024.
- Continued service to South Tacoma and Lakewood via a freight franchise on Sound Transit-owned rail line.
- Maintained positive Train Control to ensure safe and compliant operations.
Safety
Tacoma Rail delivers essential freight rail services that support regional commerce, safely moving goods through the Port of Tacoma and surrounding industrial areas. Our crews operate locomotives, maintain track and rail infrastructure, and coordinate complex switching operations in dynamic, high-risk environments =
Overall Safety Stats
(2024 compared to 2023)
- Corrective Actions: 8 (↓ from 35)
- Leadership Site Visits: 73 (↓ from 76)
- Total Recordable Injury Rates: 2.149 (↓ from 3.142)
- DART (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) Rate: 2.14 (↓ from 3.14)
Tacoma Rail received a 2024 Jake Award. The honor recognizes American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association members that perform better than the average reportable injury frequency rate per 200,000 person-hours worked for non-Class I, transit, commuter, and Amtrak railroads, based on monthly injury and illness reports filed with the Federal Railroad Administration.
Rail earned a safety index score of 2.14, below the industry average of 2.31.
Tacoma Rail fosters a strong safety culture where every employee is empowered to identify hazards, follow safe practices, and ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of each shift. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to equity, compassion, and continuous improvement.
Note: Corrective Actions and Leadership site visits were not standard operational expectations for all divisions, and the data may reflect this inconsistency. Additionally, due to limitations with the existing data platform, some divisions tracked their own data independently, some of which may or may not be fully represented here.
Financials
2024 Tacoma Rail Financial Highlights
2024 Tacoma Rail Financial Report
Conclusion
Tacoma Rail remains committed to delivering dependable, cost-effective rail services that supports regional growth and sustainability. Our 2024 performance reflects our dedication to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.