The Bulk Materials Handling Plant is located nine miles downstream from the Turning Basin Terminal, just a few hours' sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico. The terminal is a dry bulk export/import facility. The plant's modern and well-maintained ship-loading system can handle just about any kind of dry bulk commodity, ranging from particles as fine as sand to eight-inch lumps weighing as much as 200 pounds per cubic foot. The plant is equipped with a high-speed loading system and a sophisticated dust collection system that permits the handling of extremely dusty commodities. The plant is operated by Econo-Rail Corp. as a public facility.

The Port of Houston Authority's Bulk Materials Handling Plant offers shippers dependable service, competitive rates and fast turnaround. Rail connections and proximity to major highways provide the plant with an ideal link to inland points of origin or destination.

Location: The Houston Ship Channel at Greens Bayou, approximately four hours' sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico.

Tariff: Port of Houston Tariff No. 10 and the Econo-Rail Corp. tariff.

Maximum Vessel Dimensions: 750 feet in length. Longer vessels can be accommodated if approved by the Houston Pilots Association. Beam of up to 116 feet.

Berth Length: 1,310 feet, including lay berth area. Working dock is 650 feet long.

Channel Depth: 40 feet at mean low tide.

Equipment: The vessel loading system has a rated capacity of 1,800 short tons per hour for commodities with heavy density.

Truck and Rail Service: Export commodities are discharged from bottom-dump rail cars or self-dumping trucks. The Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) directly serves the facility with regular interchanges with the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe and the Union Pacific. Almost 150 motor freight lines serve the Port of Houston. The Bulk Plant provides easy access to Interstate 10 and Interstate 45.

Hours of Operation: Regular hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, but plant can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if needed.

Storage: Outside storage adjacent to the terminal may be arranged with private companies, names of which are provided upon request. Property adjacent to the terminal is available for short- or long-term lease from the Port of Houston Authority. These waterfront tracts are ideal for the development of processing, packaging or distribution plants, eliminating secondary transportation costs.

Stevedoring: Arranged by shippers. List of stevedores provided upon request.

For Information Contact:
Bulk Materials Handling Plant
Telephone: 713-453-3531
Fax: 713-455-6016
Telex: 792623

Port of Houston Authority
111 East Loop North • Houston, Texas 77029
P.O. Box 2562 • Houston, Texas 77252-2562
Phone: 713-670-2400

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