Plains Cotton Cooperative Association announced it's adding train loading capabilities to its facility in Altus, Okla. The train will directly link PCCA’s cotton producers to Asia’s destination markets.

“This expansion is strategically important for PCCA’s grower-owners. Rail transportation in Altus will improve access to global markets,” said Kevin Brinkley, PCCA’s president and CEO.

Cotton will be loaded into shipping containers at PCCA's warehouse. "These containers will then be moved by unit train directly to a West Coast port and loaded onto a vessel for export," says Jay Cowart, PCCA vice president of warehouse operations. "Direct shipment from Altus reduces transit time and decreases shipping costs compared to moving cotton by truck to another location and then loading it on the rail.

"We believe a more efficient supply chain will increase the customer base for PCCA producers’ cotton."

PCCA will collaborate with Cargill on the project to provide worldwide market access through its global merchandising and supply chain operations.

“Cargill Cotton has an established track record in the sale of cotton to the international marketplace,” said William Barksdale, president of Cargill Cotton. “We are excited about the opportunity and believe this project will enhance value across the supply chain.”

Founded in 1953, PCCA is a marketing cooperative owned by farmers in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico dedicated to supplying sustainably grown, high-quality cotton fiber worldwide. PCCA also owns cotton warehouse facilities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas and develops and offers software programs and networks to local co-op gins that help add value to their grower-owners’ cotton.

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