New 1,400-acre logistics district at AllianceTexas enables autonomous vehicles, heavy-haul transport, and new operational efficiencies
FORT WORTH, Texas (November 20, 2025) — Hillwood, BNSF Railway, and the City of Fort Worth have announced the official launch of the Alliance Logistics District, a first-of-its-kind, innovation-driven freight mobility hub located within the Smart Port at AllianceTexas, the region’s 27,000-acre master-planned development. The district was formally designated by the Fort Worth City Council during its November 11 meeting and is now active for operators and tenants.
Anchored by BNSF’s Alliance intermodal facility—the largest inland rail port in North America—the new district is designed to transform how freight moves through North Texas by enabling autonomous logistics, heavy-haul cargo operations, and streamlined multimodal connectivity across air, ground, and rail.
New Operational Capabilities for District Users
Operators within the Alliance Logistics District gain access to several exclusive logistics and regulatory advantages, including:
- Authorization for semi- and fully autonomous vehicle operations along district roadways
- Use of private hostler vehicles without commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for shuttling freight between the intermodal yard and district warehouses
- Heavy-haul transport privileges for loads exceeding 80,000 lbs. without special-use permits
- Direct adjacency to BNSF intermodal rail connections and on-site distribution facilities
These capabilities are available to any user operating within district boundaries, supporting logistics providers across multiple industries including automotive, plastics, ceramics, manufacturing, and advanced supply-chain sectors.
“By integrating advanced technology, modern infrastructure and regulatory flexibility, this initiative reinforces AllianceTexas’ standing as one of the most connected, forward-thinking logistics ecosystems in the country,” said Nicholas Konen, Vice President of Strategic Development at Hillwood. “These advancements reduce costs for customers, improve logistics efficiency and take pressure off public roadways. Our longstanding partnerships with BNSF, the City of Fort Worth, and regional transportation leaders show how public-private collaboration drives innovation and economic growth.”
Strengthening North Texas as a Global Supply Chain Hub
The district supports Fort Worth’s 2023 Innovation Districts Policy, designed to encourage concentrated hubs of research, technology, and commercialization. With direct rail connectivity to major U.S. ports including Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Houston, AllianceTexas serves as a leading inland port of entry for the southwestern United States.
“The Alliance Logistics District aligns perfectly with BNSF’s mission to deliver transportation services that meet our customers’ evolving needs while enhancing efficiency and sustainability,” said Jon Gabriel, BNSF Group Vice President of Consumer Products. “This scalable model for inland cargo movement strengthens the region’s freight infrastructure and positions North Texas at the forefront of global supply-chain innovation.”
A recent study from the Texas Comptroller reports that Texas ports generated $1 trillion in international trade in 2024, with AllianceTexas contributing $834.6 million—an increase of more than 550% since 2016.
Infrastructure Investments to Support Growth
To enable district operations, Hillwood is investing $20 million in a new private heavy-haul bridge over FM-156. The three-lane connector, built to TxDOT standards and engineered for 120,000-pound axle loads, will directly link 15 million square feet of distribution, logistics, and manufacturing space to BNSF’s intermodal yard. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026.
“Through this public-private partnership, Fort Worth continues to lead in smart, sustainable infrastructure that drives regional economic vitality,” said Lauren Prieur, Director of Transportation & Public Works, City of Fort Worth. “The Alliance Logistics District strengthens our role as a global logistics hub while planning responsibly for long-term growth.”
