Northern Lines Railway

About Northern Lines Railway

Northern Lines Railway (NLR) is a short line freight railroad that helps Minnesota businesses move products efficiently, sustainably, and reliably across North America. NLR connects regional producers and manufacturers to the national rail network, supporting supply chains that move essential goods every day. NLR operates and maintains 25 miles of BNSF-owned track in St. Cloud, Minnesota, interchanging approximately 10,000 carloads annually with BNSF to/from markets throughout North America. With convenient access to I-94, we enable fast transloading and seamless multi-modal freight movement across the Upper Midwest. Founded in 2005, NLR has driven steady organic growth while supporting industrial development opportunities ideal for manufacturing and distribution. From our central Minnesota location, our locally based team delivers hands-on service, operational excellence, and real-time visibility with a focus on safety every day. Northern Lines Railway is proud to be part of BNSF’s exclusive Short line Select™ program, underscoring a long-standing, collaborative relationship built on a shared commitment to growth, reliability, and customer success. Industries & Commodities Served Agriculture • Building/Construction Materials • Cement • Chemicals • Energy Products • Food Products • Forest Products • Metals • Plastics • Stone & Aggregates Services Transloading • Cross-Docking • Interchange Switching • Industrial Switching • Warehousing • Empty & Loaded Storage (short/long term) • Industrial Development