Known also as a TBT, the terminals have been designed to permit the transfer of commodities between rail cars and trucks, and will also allow use by those without rail sidings.

Located adjacent to Norfolk Southern’s rail yard, the facility will handle dry and liquid bulk commodities as well as aggregates. There are 48 car spots, all in containment, and a fully paved, fenced and lighted property with a certified truck scale.

“The Knoxville TBT is well-positioned to reach local markets as well as extend the reach of our TBT facility network even more effectively to serve markets … [in] east Tennessee as well as western North Carolina and southwest Virginia,” NS group vice president Scott McGregor said.

Knoxville Chamber of Commerce president Mike Edwards said the bulk transfer facility would help “in our industrial recruitment efforts to sell the region to companies that are interested in shipping raw materials via rail”.

NS has 31 contractor-operated TBT facilities in 17 US states.

The Knoxville terminal is operated by RSI Leasing.