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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by M.W. Hemphill BNSF is now accepting ordinary trailers in straddle-lift piggyback service -- it used to be that only special reinforced trailers (Z trailers) could stand the abuse of a straddle-lift. This is one of the more significant technological breakthroughs in recent years, and it's hardly been reported. I didn't even know about it until this spring. I don't know if the technology is available to other railroads or if this is a BNSF-only.[/quote] Regarding this potential bombshell of innovation, is BNSF accepting any trailer, e.g. tankers, flatbeds, as well as dry vans? If so, they have just tapped a huge market. My understanding is that over 70% of the trailers out there are not the reinforced Z trailers, and the prevailing thought was that such trailers could only piggyback using roll-on/roll-off platforms, which would require more capital investment for an untested marketing concept. In fact, didn't railcar maker Trinity just come out with a new 7 platform articulated ro-ro car? If BNSF has found a cheaper way to carry non-reinforced trailers on standard TOFC cars, then they have scored a big one! Dave
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