Tiny Wisconsin Railroad Gets Federal Green Light
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
Unity Line, LLC, now called Manitowoc Port & Terminal Railway, is stepping up to run about 1.5 miles of railroad track in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. This new move lets them connect Briess Industries to the bigger national rail system, starting June 5, 2026. They expect to keep things small and local, with revenues under $5 million a year and no tricky agreements limiting future rail connections.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Local Industry Gains National Rail Link
Manitowoc Port & Terminal Railway (MP&TR) will operate about 1.5 miles of track in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to provide common carrier service and, starting June 5, 2026, expects to interchange traffic with Wisconsin Central Ltd. to connect Briess Industries to the national railroad system. You are likely affected if your business in Wisconsin ships to or from Briess or nearby facilities using rail.
New Small (Class III) Rail Carrier Formed
MP&TR will be a new Class III carrier operating the Line and certifies its projected revenues from the transaction will not exceed $5,000,000 per year. This identifies MP&TR as a small freight carrier under federal classifications.
No Limits on Future Rail Interchange
MP&TR certifies that the transaction does not involve any agreement that would limit future interchange with a third-party connecting railroad. This preserves the Line's ability to connect with other railroads going forward.
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