For shippers moving metals and recycled materials, intermodal rail freight offers one of the most efficient and cost-effective transportation options available today. Still, the rail network is only as strong as the drayage operations that support it.
This is why companies need to do their homework when choosing a drayage partner. The right team makes all the difference to your bottom line and downstream users, especially in markets like Dallas and Fort Worth.
Time-Critical Bottlenecks for Metal & Scrap Material Shippers
Metals, scrap, and recycled materials move in high density, high volume, and often under strict timelines, making rail the ideal shipping solution. According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), freight rail can move one ton of goods nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making it significantly more cost-efficient than over-the-road trucking for long-distance transportation.
While rail does the heavy lifting, rail drayage trucking services determine whether containers actually arrive on time.
Common challenges for metals shippers include:
- Missed rail cutoffs
- Limited drayage capacity during peak cycles
- Delays caused by overweight loads or limited triaxle availability
- Yard congestion from drayage teams that aren’t aligned with rail schedules
When drayage is aligned with rail, shippers benefit from:
- Lower transportation costs through consistent scheduling and reduced dwell time
- Fewer demurrage and detention charges thanks to streamlined operations
- Better visibility when rail and drayage systems are integrated
- Higher throughput in yards, smelters, and recycling facilities
For high-value commodities, hours of delay can translate into easy-to-avoid charges, slowed production, and missed delivery windows, which are felt downstream.
How Sunburst Supports DFW Rail Yards
The Dallas–Fort Worth region is one of the country’s largest inland freight rail hubs, connecting major Class I railroads, like BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, with manufacturing centers, smelters, recyclers, and distribution networks. Sunburst’s DFW operations were built to support this region, with their terminal strategically located just a few miles from multiple major rail yards.
Our infrastructure supports heavy commodity cycles with:
- 9-acre terminal, minutes from major rail ramps
- 30+ drivers covering daily inbound and outbound hauls
- Dedicated triaxles for overweight metal loads
- Secured yard with electric guard-dog fencing for high-value materials
Sunburst’s Dallas and Fort Worth teams work closely with rail operators to accurately forecast congestion, daily volume swings, ramp restrictions, and equipment needs. This translates to minimized disruptions and fees and creates smooth and timely handoffs.
If you need a reliable drayage partner with dedicated infrastructure in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, we’re here to help. Reach out to Sunburst Truck Lines today for your drayage needs.
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