Jan 18, 2018 | Press Releases

Bourque Logistics Announces Blockchain Project

The Woodlands, Texas – January 18, 2018. Bourque Logistics, the leader in North American industrial logistics systems for almost 30 years, announces its first blockchain project to explore the application of this new technology for its rail shipper clients. Using digitized shipping file formats called “rblocks”, RAILChain™ will allow shipping parties to securely exchange bill information, as well as settle freight, repair, and lease costs using smart contract technology.

RAILChain™ will be initially developed using the Ethereum platform with a design to seamlessly interchange with other platforms, as blockchain technology continues to evolve. RAILChain™ will serve as a highly secure network link between shippers using the Bourque suite of rail applications, including RAILTRAC®, RateServer®, RAILAcct®, and their rail trading partners – consignees, railroads, lessors, and repair shops.

Several Bourque shipper clients have expressed interest in blockchain technology due to the prospect of efficeint and secure distribution of rail shipment status and cost information. These shippers will be the first participants in a proof of concept which will provide shared and secure visibility of the rail supply chain.

We are excited to investigate this new technology on behalf of our clients…By working now to make our rail operations and freight payment systems blockchain compatible, our clients will have options to benefit from this technology as it matures and is adopted within the rail industry.

—Steve Bourque, President of Bourque Logistics

The RAILChain™ project builds upon previous design elements of NaviChain™, a blockchain network designed for international, intermodal chemical shipments by Tank and Container Management Systems, LLC (TCMS), a partner of Bourque Logistics.

About Bourque Logistics

Used by over 120 rail shippers in North America, Bourque Logistics provides rail operations software for industrial shippers. Its automated rail logistics system has provided significant and ongoing value since 1989 with RAILTRAC®, YardMaster®, RateServer®, and other tools that address all facets of rail shippers’ needs and integrate seamlessly with their ERP systems. Its Shipper BI™ tool provides managers real time intelligence and trending to manage complex distribution and logistics.

Bourque Logistics’ tools are redundant, cloud-based systems for rail and motor carrier shipment operations for loading and shipping, bill of lading submission, tracking and trace, freight costing and payment, fleet accounting, supply chain management, and customized reporting. Bourque’s EDI data services connect shippers with their suppliers, customers, and carriers. They also provide professional services and support for rail fleet expediting and railcar maintenance management.

For more information, visit our website or watch our company overview videos on our youtube channel.

About TCMS

To assist with the growing number of international intermodal management operations, Tank and Container Management Systems (TCMS) was created. The focus of this venture is on international ISO tank, container, bulk shipping bags, and cylinder logistics. Leveraging Bourque Logistics’ knowledge in industrial shipping, automation, and EDI capabilities, TCMS streamlines tank and container logistics and provides enhanced services to shippers, carriers, and depots around the world.

For more information, visit their website.

 

YardMaster® is a registered trademark of Bourque Data Systems Inc.

YardMaster Mobile® is a registered trademark of Bourque Data Systems Inc.

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https://bourquelogistics.com/alltranstek/

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https://bourquelogistics.com/inet-smrtag-system/

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https://bourquelogistics.com/web-vcf/

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https://bourquelogistics.com/railtrac-insite/

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https://bourquelogistics.com/transpay-services

TCMS

https://bourquelogistics.com/tcms/

The merger of Bourque Logistics and AllTranstek in January 2025, fueled by a strategic investment of over $100 million from Sixth Street, has established a dominant, unified force in the rail logistics and asset management sector. Based in The Woodlands, Texas, the combined entity leverages decades of expertise—with Steve Bourque and Jeff Wilson continuing their leadership—to provide an exhaustive suite of services tailored for rail shippers and maintenance providers.

By integrating their specialized capabilities, the company offers a "cradle-to-grave" approach to railcar management. Their expanded service portfolio includes comprehensive fleet management, technical railcar inspections, and regulatory compliance oversight. On the technology side, they provide sophisticated software solutions for automated shipment tracking, freight payment orchestration, and tank car maintenance scheduling. Furthermore, the partnership enhances their ability to offer strategic consulting and mechanical services, such as engineering support and fleet health monitoring. This synergy allows clients to streamline complex supply chains through a single, digitized ecosystem, effectively bridging the gap between physical asset maintenance and real-time logistics data. With the backing of Sixth Street’s capital, the merged company is positioned to aggressively innovate, ensuring that rail shippers have access to the most advanced tools for optimizing fleet utilization and reducing operational costs.