City of Columbia Ionwave #48/2026

Marketing and Management Partnership for Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT)

The City of Columbia, Missouri is seeking qualified businesses to partner in the marketing and management of its City-owned Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT), a 21.4-mile FRA Class II short-line railroad. - Government Buyer: - City of Columbia, Missouri Purchasing Division (City Utilities) - Scope of Services: - Day-to-day railroad operations - Marketing and business development to increase carload traffic and strengthen freight viability - Customer service and account management - Accounting and billing - Infrastructure inspection and maintenance - Regulatory compliance (FRA and state requirements) - Transload marketing and operational support - Assets and Facilities: - Two locomotives - Transload facility with warehouse and rail spurs - Existing staff - Partnership Structures: - Open to fixed fee, revenue sharing, hybrid/incentive-based, or concession agreements - Alternative proposals encouraged - Notable Requirements: - Integration and retention of current employees - Demonstrated economic development experience - Financial capacity and operational approach - Customer relationship management - No specific OEMs or vendors named; opportunity open to all qualified entities with relevant rail operations and logistics marketing experience.

Description

The City of Columbia, Missouri is requesting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from qualified businesses for the potential marketing and/or management of the City-owned Columbia Terminal Railroad (COLT). The scope includes improving efficiency, increasing carload traffic, ensuring long-term sustainability, and strengthening freight viability within the region. Responsibilities may include day-to-day railroad operations, marketing and business development, customer service, accounting, infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, and transload marketing. The City is open to various partnership structures and seeks proposals that include operational approaches, employee integration, and revenue/payment models.

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