Situated on the north end of San Francisco Bay is a deep-water bulk terminal with direct access to the US’s largest class 1 railroads, the UP and BNSF. The Levin Richmond Terminal Corporation (LRTC) is on the site where “Rosie the Riveter” worked to build WWII ships and has excellent transit times to Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Busan, and Singapore.
“We are a unique terminal with much more flexibility than our larger competitors,” said Chris Schaeffer, CEO of LRTC. “This enables us to provide customized transportation solutions for our customers.”
LRTC has another advantage — it relies on operating engineers, enabling it to cross-train employees and put labour wherever it is needed. “We have a very cohesive management team that runs both the terminal and railroad, so we have a direct line of communication, making us more agile and efficient,” said Schaeffer. “This also allows us to keep costs down and invest in expansions.” LRTC is a private company that owns its short-line railroad, known as the Richmond Pacific Railroad Corporation (RPRC).
Levin has been upgrading its existing rail as well as laying more track to reach a short-line of 11 miles. It is also methodically electrifying the railroad and terminal. All its locomotives are tier 4 final. All forklifts and sweepers will be electric by the end of this year.
“We have been operating for decades and want to continue to focus on sustainability and be a responsible community partner,” said Jeff Schwab, Director of Rail Operations.
The terminal modernized its cargo handling equipment to utilize ecofriendly electrical conveyor systems, high walled cargo storage corrals, totally enclosed conveying systems and misting systems to control fugitive dust. All terminal areas have stormwater and wastewater systems to protect the surrounding marine environment.
LRTC prides itself in being a reliable partner and providing the highest possible service levels. “Every visitor remarks how we run a very clean operation,” said Joe Vezzali, VP of Sales and Marketing for LRTC. “This is part of our effort to be an exceptional community partner and always put safety first.” Having operated 1,200 consecutive days without a lost-time incident, LRTC’s safety record puts it in the top 5% of its industry.
The terminal’s business strategy is rooted in sustainability and metals conservation through recycling. The company was formed in 1981 when LRTC acquired the current maritime facilities. Cargos at the time included recycled scrap metal, ores, fluorspar, potash, chrome ore, bauxite, limestone, and various other bulk commodities.
In 2002 the RPRC short-line was created connecting with the UP and BNSF. This railroad currently serves dry bulk and liquid bulk partners who are growing in sustainable biofuels, critical minerals mining, and fertilizer logistics ensuring food security.
LRTC is a rare, but vital tool in the national strategic interest of the US. The ability to export raw materials will help American companies balance the trade deficit. In January of 2025, the US trade deficit reached a record high of $131.4 billion, a 34% increase from December 2024. Balancing the US trade deficit must involve export diversification, raw materials, and the support of strategic port options like LRTC.
LRTC continues to partner with the State, Local and Federal Government entities to work cleanly and efficiently. Their commitment to the surrounding community is one of transparency and partnership to facilitate common goals, economic growth, and prosperity on the local and national levels.
Looking towards the future, RPRC is strategically positioning itself to handle the growing commodity of renewable diesel to make up for the declining coal market. The company is also exploring other commodities to move in and out of the terminal.