Kansas City Terminal

Company History: The KCT was formed in 1911 in the aftermath of a series of floods of the West Bottoms area of Kansas City. The goal was to build a new Union Station and serve as a neutral terminal line for the city’s line haul railroads, replacing the Kansas City Belt Railroad. The original group of owners included: Chicago & Alton, Santa Fe, Chicago Burlington & Quincy, Chicago Great Western, Milwaukee Road, Rock Island, Kansas City Southern, Missouri-Kansas-Texas, Missouri Pacific, Frisco, Union Pacific and Wabash. As passenger service faded in importance, KCT relied more on interchanging freight between the local Class 1’s and serving their own on-line customers. Amtrak stopped using the station in 1985, moving to a smaller building nearby. In 1979, KCT achieved national prominence as the designated operator of the bankrupt Rock Island. KCT also oversaw the liquidation of The Rock following their March, 1980 shutdown. Today, KCT is part of the Watco family of shortlines under the name Kansas City Transportation Company with management provided by sister road Kaw River Railroad.

Successor/Parent History: The Watco shortline group is known for painting locomotives in special schemes for universities and even high schools along their lines. We own or operate over 5,500 miles of short line track in North America and Australia. Our vast network connects to all Class I railroads. You get the most efficient, cost-effective route for your shipment.

Using your locomotives or our own, Watco provides switching services at your manufacturing facility. Our experienced teams improve safety, reduce risks, and minimize costs.

Let Watco take care of your inactive railcars, so you can stay focused on your active fleet. Safely house empty or loaded railcars across our nationwide network of short line railroads and terminals.

Our proactive management, in-transit tracking, and real-time communication let you know where your cars are every minute of every day. And, our scheduled maintenance programs keep your rolling stock rolling.

Brief History: Mexico is a country between the U.S. and Central America that's known for its Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches and its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles. Ancient ruins such as Teotihuacán and the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá are scattered throughout the country, as are Spanish colonial-era towns. In capital Mexico City, upscale shops, renowned museums and gourmet restaurants cater to modern life.