<p>Tranz Rail will introduce a second inland port to its national operations after the Maersk shipping line decision to use the port of Timaru as one of only two South Island port calls.</p> <p>The move will increase freight volumes by more than 40% on the return Timaru-Christchurch corridor, effectively creating an inland port operation at the Middleton site in Christchurch.</p> <p>Tranz Rail said the facility will be based on the Auckland MetroPort concept, but on a smaller scale. </p> <p>MetroPort aggregates freight in Auckland before railing it to port for shipping.</p> <p>Containers for export will be railed south to meet a Wednesday port call at Timaru and imported containers will be transported to Christchurch on Thursday.</p> <br />
