Cedar Rapids, Iowa

[charlie hebdo]

If Shadowcat is correct,  the capacity/weight carried in trailers is considerably more than that of containers. This also figures into the economics. 

[Overmod]

charlie hebdo

If Shadowcat is correct,  the capacity/weight carried in trailers is considerably more than that of containers. This also figures into the economics.

I think this applies more to load as a percentage over tare, not absolute weight -- but remember that we're discussing scheduling and turnaround in hours, not throughput in tons or even ton-miles.  This is an equipment utilization question, not an overall economic analysis.  

Were the containers to be loaded to 'ship' standards, they would of course carry far more than any road-going or domestic container, and the usual ISO marine container is of course designed to that capability by standard.  In my opinion it would be far easier to refit (or build new) railroad equipment capable of marine loading than to attempt to build road chassis (likely with multiple axles and sophisticated weight-sensing and accommodating suspension) to handle it -- and rely more on a break-bulk or cross-dock type of operating model at the various 'regional' intermodal points in the supply chain.

[charlie hebdo]

Two points:

1. Obviously I was referring to above tare weight as the phrase "capacity/weight carried" clearly means. 

2. If additional containers are need to carry the same given load than trailers, obviously that certainly  influences the economics. 

[Shadow the Cats owner]

Well this should tell you something about the tare weight issue.  That Prime looked into reefer containers and decided that there was NO way that for their business model that they could make the tare weight issue work for them.  The loss of almost 3 tons of cargo capacity was just to much for them to even consider even with the newest models able to carry 30 skids in them.  The weight difference is just to much.  When you can scale 5k more pounds with full tanks when hauling beef or produce you tend to make more money when your paid by the hundred weight.  

[greyhounds]

Shadow the Cats owner

Well this should tell you something about the tare weight issue.  That Prime looked into reefer containers and decided that there was NO way that for their business model that they could make the tare weight issue work for them.  The loss of almost 3 tons of cargo capacity was just to much for them to even consider even with the newest models able to carry 30 skids in them.  The weight difference is just to much.  When you can scale 5k more pounds with full tanks when hauling beef or produce you tend to make more money when your paid by the hundred weight.  

Prime can make their own decisions about their own equipment.  Other truckers with intermodal reefer operations have acquired the reefer containers.  (KLLM, for example.)

Prime is apparently going with lightweight reefer trailers for intermodal.  Fine with me.  As long as they go intermodal.

A railroad can keep TOFC trailers competitive with its pricing policy.  I know BNSF has done this at times.