The two 55-car unit trains that were purchased.

A shortage of long-distance truck drivers also is making it more difficult to find dependable ways to move produce, shippers have said. And traditional rail shipments take far longer, with more switching of cars between trains and handling of perishables.

The two 55-car unit trains that were purchased for the produce operation will remain permanently coupled, The Tri-City Herald reported, moving back and forth between Rotterdam and Wallula each week.

New York state paid for $2.735 million in track improvements at Rotterdam Industrial Park that also will benefit other park tenants.