Gateway International Rail Park establishes the Laredo Gateway Industrial Railway

Gateway International Rail Park today announced the formation of the Laredo Gateway Industrial Railway (LGIR), a logistics platform designed to strengthen cross-border freight capacity in the Laredo market. Approval from the Surface Transportation Board (STB) completed a 15-month process to establish a new ~2.6 mile railway that will support key commodity movements and connect shippers to transloading, distribution and comprehensive rail infrastructure in a strategic location. The STB authorization gives LGIR common carrier obligations, requiring the railroad to provide public access to the broader North American rail system.

LGIR is being jointly developed by Kraus Development, a Laredo-based land and asset developer, and Ironhorse Resources, an operating and development partner. LGIR will interchange with Union Pacific Railroad’s mainline, giving customers a fast, efficient rail connection in one of North America’s most important trade corridors. As the first modern rail-served industrial park in the Laredo market, Gateway International Rail Park will support ~1,900 acres of future development and create capacity for manufacturing, warehousing, finished vehicle distribution, aggregates and other logistics-intensive uses.

“Gateway International Rail Park was envisioned as more than an industrial park – it was designed to become the premier rail-served logistics hub in Laredo,” said Kurt Kraus, CEO of Kraus Development.

Matt Cundiff, President of Ironhorse Resources, said, “We look forward to helping customers unlock the full potential of rail in one of North America’s most important trade corridors.”

Dan McLaughlin, Assistant Vice President-Marketing and Sales, Union Pacific Railroad, said: “We’re excited to work alongside LGIR to create new opportunities for customers and strengthen connections across this critical trade corridor. Our continued commitment to partnering with short line railroads helps expand access to our network and supports continued growth in cross-border freight.

David Stedman, CEO of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation, added, "LGIR represents the kind of investment that helps communities compete for the next generation of industrial growth. With rail service, developable land, utility readiness and multimodal access, this project strengthens Laredo’s ability to attract new business and support the companies already driving trade in our region."

Beyond rail service, Gateway International Rail Park will provide shovel-ready lots with utility access and flexible development options. The park will feature more than 40 rail- and non-rail-served lots, capacity for more than 12,000 railcars annually and infrastructure built to support warehousing, manufacturing and truck-to-rail logistics that can provide up to 5x long-haul efficiency gains.

Shippers locating in the park will benefit from lower transportation costs through rail service, expanded equipment capacity, environmental gains and a commitment to local job creation —reinforcing the project’s role in supporting long-term economic growth in Laredo.