Rail Freight

In casual conversation with friends, it surprises me how many myths still exist around moving freight by rail. “It must be slow, unmanageable, old fashioned.” Rail seems to conjure memories of pillows of steam hovering over charming brick stations, or lonely whistles heard from a distant train snaking through the countryside.

I joined my son at his church last week and happened to meet a senior executive from a brick manufacturing company. When this gentleman learned of my logistics background, he asked if I knew anyone who had flatbed trucks.

Carloads—at 295,294—were up 7.2 percent annually, and intermodal trailers and containers were up 9.3 at 264,382.

Carloads—at 291,525—were up 4.5 percent annually, and intermodal was up 10.6 percent at 260,713 containers and trailers.

Carloads—at 274,480—were down 1 percent annually, and intermodal was up 3.7 percent compared to the same week last year at 244,015 containers and trailers

October carloads—at 1,443,609—were up 1.5 percent—or 21,059 carloads— annually, and intermodal volumes were impressive, rising 6.8 percent (or 84,120 units) to 1,317,601 containers and trailers.

Carload and intermodal volumes were mixed for the week ending August 10, according to data released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

The four United States-based Class I railroads received good news late last week, when the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a June 2012 decision by a U.S. District judge in the District of Columbia that maintained Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and CSX worked together—or colluded—on fuel surcharges assessed to shippers.

Despite an uneven economy and an atmosphere of political uncertainly that has put several freight transportation modes on shaky ground, shippers continue to find that rail and intermodal service providers are chugging forward, improving service, and creating value despite the well-publicized challenges.

Carload volume—at 277,933—was down 3 percent annually, and intermodal was up 2.8 percent annually at 253,424 trailers and containers.

New state of logistics translates into new opportunities for shrewd managers who can leverage their unique skills and solid transportation relationships into value for their companies.

Staying steady during uneven times

Looking for a great way to kick off your summer reading? Well, look no further than page 28. Once again, we’ve devoted a sizable portion of our July issue to putting the Annual State of Logistics Report into context for shippers.

Weekly carload volume—at 288,879—was up 0.5 percent compared to a year ago, and intermodal—at 254,266 trailers and containers—saw a 1.7 percent annual gain.

Carload volume—at 278,249—was down 2.8 percent annually, and intermodal—at 252,641 trailers and containers—was up 2.5 percent annually.