When you think of a “port,” you probably picture giant ships, stacks of containers and the San Francisco Bay - not the high desert of Nevada. But here we are: Northern Nevada is home to the Port of Nevada, an inland port in Fernley that’s shaking up how freight moves through the region.

So, what does it mean for tenants, owners and the industrial market around Reno? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly Is the Port of Nevada?

The Port of Nevada is a 224+ acre inland port and intermodal rail hub in Fernley, about 25–30 minutes east of Reno. Instead of ships, think trains and trucks. The facility connects directly to the Port of Oakland by rail, with services like container storage, transloading and even Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) potential.

In simple terms: it’s a port without the ocean.

Aerial View of the Port of Nevada, located in Fernley, Nevada.
*Image Source:* *portofnevada.com*

Why It Matters for Northern Nevada Businesses

Here’s why the Port of Nevada is a big deal for companies operating in Reno-Sparks:

Direct rail to Oakland. Since June 2024, shippers can bypass long truck hauls over Donner Pass and move containers straight from Fernley to the Bay Area port by train.
Less congestion, more reliability. Rail service gives companies another option when highways are jammed or weather is rough.
New growth magnet. The Port’s presence is drawing attention to Fernley, already home to major projects like the Victory Logistics District.

Recent Momentum and Investment

This isn’t just a pilot project. In 2024, Nevada secured $6.1 million to expand the site - adding rail, container yard space and even a small commercial district. By early 2025, the project had already won a CoStar Impact Award for development of the year in Reno, signaling strong market confidence.

What It Means for Tenants and Owners

If you’re looking at industrial space in Northern Nevada, here’s what to watch:

Yard and rail features are hotter. Properties with room for trailers, containers or rail access will continue to see more demand.
Spec buildings may adapt. Developers near Fernley could prioritize cross-docks, heavy yard layouts and transload-ready sites.
Lease costs shift with logistics savings. Even if rents tick up slightly, tenants may come out ahead when factoring in reduced drayage and faster access to Oakland.

Who Benefits Most?

Importers/exporters moving steady container volumes.
3PLs and e-commerce operators needing consistent West Coast connections.
Businesses that value cutting truck miles (and emissions) by shifting to rail.

The Bottom Line

Northern Nevada has always been about location - “one day to 60 million consumers.” The Port of Nevada makes that location even stronger, giving Reno-Sparks tenants and owners a rail-first option that didn’t exist before.

For tenants, it’s worth asking: Does a Fernley or Sparks site closer to the Port give me an edge?

A Port in the Desert? How the Port of Nevada is Changing Reno’s Industrial Market