Trains.com

Class One Rails blame shippers, receivers and truckers

11301 views
176 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: The 17th hole at TPC
  • 2,283 posts
Posted by n012944 on Monday, August 23, 2021 8:06 AM

MP173

"Wanna get away?"  

Sounds like it would be a great idea!...except that airline (Southwest) has huge issues.  Not enough employees, high demand for service, and very disgrunted employees.  Oh, they are not alone...other airlines have cancelled flights also.

Hmm, probably the fault of the railroads!  If they would just run a few more passenger trains this problem would go away!  Or not.

 

There are a few people on this board, that if given the chance, would place blame on the freight railroads for it.  That is what they do, even under their old screen names.

 

Good for the UP for reopening Global 3, it will help.  I have heard that they delayed the closing of Canal Street, although I don't have confirmation on that.  CSX, as I posted earlier, has started using Forrest Hill again, a "ramp" that has been closed for 20 plus years.  Unfortunately that is a short term solution, as the grade separation project at 75th street will no longer permit access to it.  

An "expensive model collector"

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: Sterling Heights, Michigan
  • 1,691 posts
Posted by SD60MAC9500 on Monday, August 23, 2021 8:44 AM
 

n012944

 

Good for the UP for reopening Global 3, it will help.  I have heard that they delayed the closing of Canal Street, although I don't have confirmation on that.  CSX, as I posted earlier, has started using Forrest Hill again, a "ramp" that has been closed for 20 plus years.  Unfortunately that is a short term solution, as the grade separation project at 75th street will no longer permit access to it.  
 

Canal St. is closed. Earlier this month was the last time I was through there. It was being used to store autoracks.

 
Rahhhhhhhhh!!!!
  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Central Iowa
  • 6,901 posts
Posted by jeffhergert on Monday, August 23, 2021 10:07 PM

While the railroads aren't completely blameless, they also aren't the only piece of the puzzle.  I feel the railroad's "pointing the finger" at others is both reaction and proaction on their parts to having the fingers pointed at them.  With a lot of calls by shipper's groups for reregulation, blaming the railroads is just more ammunition for their argument. 

So you know the railroads would have to answer the challange.  In reality, it probably doesn't matter what either side says.  In all things that hint of politics, usually most people already have their minds made up.

Jeff

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 12:31 AM

Is it possible that each of the outfits tried to wait out the others and not bite the bullet ?  IMO each business shoud have called a meet and discussed short mitigations.  It is going to take effort of each to partially solve these problems.

A couple items that occured today.  Went into local tractor supply and the were being overloaded with just delivered inventory.  An inquiry found out imvertory was supposed to go to several stores but distributor TT dumped all into the one store which is going to have to distribute it to stores in area.

2nd   went into local Home Depot.  Found empty shelves for some items and over stocked of other items.  They had no idea when a couple items needed would come in .  Not available in other stores within 40 - 50 miles.

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • 4,557 posts
Posted by Convicted One on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 9:41 AM

In times of hardship, you either adapt, or perish. No real mystery there.  I've learned to do without or  have found suitable substitutes for most of the items I'm finding in chronic short supply. And if some of those products never come back, I'll be fine.

Clearly at least some of those shortages are a result of decisions to off-shore the source, and manage  overly long supply chains through "timely" re-ordering, and now those folks who grew dependant upon everything going right to make that model work  are finding those buzzards are now coming home to roost in the beds they've made for themselves. (love mixed metaphors)

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 10:10 AM

That's a beauty!!   

"As thou soweth,  so shall thou weepeth!" [a lame MM.]

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • 4,557 posts
Posted by Convicted One on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 10:57 AM

When Balt insists that all involved parties share in the blame, I agree with him particularly in the context of  producers who decided they could  spike the ball by cutting the American worker out of the picture via outsourcing their production.  If their dependence upon everything going right is now causing them grief, perhaps they should have had a contingency plan?

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 11:16 AM

Convicted One

When Balt insists that all involved parties share in the blame, I agree with him particularly in the context of  producers who decided they could  spike the ball by cutting the American worker out of the picture via outsourcing their production.  If their dependence upon everything going right is now causing them grief, perhaps they should have had a contingency plan?

 

This is where unbridled vulture capitalists kill the goose that laid a once-upon-a time Golden Egg. 

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Valparaiso, In
  • 5,921 posts
Posted by MP173 on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 1:33 PM

Regretfully a link to the "Freightwaves" article is not at hand...just read it during lunch, but to summarize:

International shipments became so inconsistent for delivery that more and more logistics companies routed their shipments by air cargo.  Makes sense.  Now, the international air cargo system is so overwhelmed at O'hare/chicago that containers of air cargo are often waiting weeks to be unloaded.  Why?  Few warehousemen to unload plus +20% increase year to year increase in inbound cargo.  

The result is that logistics companies are going into the facilities armed with trucks, fork lifts, and cash (yes cash to bribe employees to search for their cargo).  The logicistcs companies will then take their cargo and be on their way.  

Other companies are realizing they need to ship either full air containers or pay for full air containers as the mixed freight containers are lower priority.  

Meanwhile, the domestic parcel companies (FedX, UPS, and regionals) are limiting number of packages their customers can ship...in addition to adding surcharges for residential deliveries.  These surcharges will increase up to $5.00 per package by end of November.

I searched for an app showing container ships awaiting unloading...couldnt find one.

That is today's Logistics Update.

Ed

 

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • 4,557 posts
Posted by Convicted One on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 1:54 PM

MP173
Meanwhile, the domestic parcel companies (FedX, UPS, and regionals) are limiting number of packages their customers can ship...in addition to adding surcharges for residential deliveries.  These surcharges will increase up to $5.00 per package by end of November.

That would seem to be kryptonite for Amazon?

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • 299 posts
Posted by adkrr64 on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 3:13 PM

Convicted One
 MP173
Meanwhile, the domestic parcel companies (FedX, UPS, and regionals) are limiting number of packages their customers can ship...in addition to adding surcharges for residential deliveries.  These surcharges will increase up to $5.00 per package by end of November.

That would seem to be kryptonite for Amazon?

More and more, Amazon is handling their own last mile deliveries using their own personnel and vehicles, especially near cities where they have setup distribution centers. Seeing their containers on intermodal trains is also becoming more common.

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, August 26, 2021 3:00 PM

Amazon is really sticking it to the drivers on local delivery.  It contracts the service to local firms who lease the trucks from Amazon and hire the drivers.  Routing of the drivers tends to involve a lot of backtracking and other inefficiencies.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Valparaiso, In
  • 5,921 posts
Posted by MP173 on Thursday, August 26, 2021 4:14 PM

Amazon is having the same supply chain issues for vans, trucks, and trailers.  

Their capex plans for this year are simply a dream.  Equipment is not available.

Ed

  • Member since
    July 2016
  • 2,631 posts
Posted by Backshop on Thursday, August 26, 2021 5:03 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH

Amazon is really sticking it to the drivers on local delivery.  It contracts the service to local firms who lease the trucks from Amazon and hire the drivers.  Routing of the drivers tends to involve a lot of backtracking and other inefficiencies.

 

The .gov is starting to crack down on this whole fake "contractor" thing.  Of course, if you donate enough to campaigns, you can get away with it, at least for awhile.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Thursday, August 26, 2021 6:55 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
Routing of the drivers tends to involve a lot of backtracking and other inefficiencies.

I've heard that one of the package companies insists on right turns only, as left turns usually involve some waiting, ie, wasted time.  Of course, that applies in the city.  Out here in the sticks, "around the block" might mean a dozen miles or more...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, August 26, 2021 8:15 PM

tree68
 
CSSHEGEWISCH
Routing of the drivers tends to involve a lot of backtracking and other inefficiencies. 

I've heard that one of the package companies insists on right turns only, as left turns usually involve some waiting, ie, wasted time.  Of course, that applies in the city.  Out here in the sticks, "around the block" might mean a dozen miles or more...

I believe UPS delivery drivers have their routes determined by the delivery addresses of all the packages that get loaded on their vehicles.  Three rights to make a left is programmed into the route.

I see the FedEx truck driving in both directions on my street; the UPS truck only drives in one direction.

I could be wrong.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Thursday, August 26, 2021 8:45 PM

BaltACD
I see the FedEx truck driving in both directions on my street; the UPS truck only drives in one direction.

And it's a one-way street!

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Thursday, August 26, 2021 8:46 PM

Backshop
The .gov is starting to crack down on this whole fake "contractor" thing.  Of course, if you donate enough to campaigns, you can get away with it, at least for awhile.

But something something capitalism something something!

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Guelph, Ontario
  • 4,819 posts
Posted by Ulrich on Friday, August 27, 2021 12:19 PM

Backshop

Is it just me or does it seem like teenagers don't work anymore?  All the entry level jobs in fast food, etc., are being performed by "retired" people.  That's not right.  You build many lifelong job skills in your first job.

 

I can't speak for all teenagers, but the two teenagers in my household work incredibly hard. My daughter has a a morning gig as a hostess in a breakfast place, and at night she's a hostess at the Keg.. And she's only 15. My son is in college and in his spare time (!) he does programming and has several other side hustles going on all at once. I see that their friends are all go getters too.. I think the future is in good hands!

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 27, 2021 3:04 PM

zugmann
 
BaltACD
I see the FedEx truck driving in both directions on my street; the UPS truck only drives in one direction. 

And it's a one-way street!

It is NOT a one way street.  Its Two way suburban low density residential.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    June 2021
  • 142 posts
Posted by ronrunner on Friday, August 27, 2021 3:09 PM

Many Teenagers are busy with extracurricular activity and sports in order to build a college enty resume. Aflent middle class parents give their kids debit cards with hundreds of dollars on them and those are linked to mom and dads credit.  and checking. Thanks to planned parenting most wmc couples are waiting till 30 and 40 something to have kids and build a investment  portfolio to pay for them. Plus they have access to bottomless credit which my Greatest Genetation WW2 parents never had

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 27, 2021 3:09 PM

Ulrich
 
Backshop

Is it just me or does it seem like teenagers don't work anymore?  All the entry level jobs in fast food, etc., are being performed by "retired" people.  That's not right.  You build many lifelong job skills in your first job. 

I can't speak for all teenagers, but the two teenagers in my household work incredibly hard. My daughter has a a morning gig as a hostess in a breakfast place, and at night she's a hostess at the Keg.. And she's only 15. My son is in college and in his spare time (!) he does programming and has several other side hustles going on all at once. I see that their friends are all go getters too.. I think the future is in good hands!

The reality is that each generation views its teenagers as lazy and good for nothing.  That is one of the rewards of living beyond the teen years - the ability to critize teens.

Even the most sanctimonious among us were critized in the same way as we made our own journey through that teenage portal.  Teens are easy targets.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 2,325 posts
Posted by rdamon on Friday, August 27, 2021 3:14 PM

They didn't have to walk to school each day in the snow. Uphill BOTH ways!!

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Antioch, IL
  • 4,371 posts
Posted by greyhounds on Friday, August 27, 2021 3:50 PM

Ulrich
I can't speak for all teenagers, but the two teenagers in my household work incredibly hard. My daughter has a a morning gig as a hostess in a breakfast place, and at night she's a hostess at the Keg.. And she's only 15. My son is in college and in his spare time (!) he does programming and has several other side hustles going on all at once. I see that their friends are all go getters too.. I think the future is in good hands!

Good parenting on your part.

"By many measures, the U.S. freight rail system is the safest, most efficient and cost effective in the world." - Federal Railroad Administration, October, 2009. I'm just your average, everyday, uncivilized howling "anti-government" critic of mass government expenditures for "High Speed Rail" in the US. And I'm gosh darn proud of that.
  • Member since
    July 2016
  • 2,631 posts
Posted by Backshop on Friday, August 27, 2021 4:37 PM

rdamon

They didn't have to walk to school each day in the snow. Uphill BOTH ways!!

 

I had it worse.  I had to ride the school bus.  Let me explain...  We were the third pickup on a route of about 30 stops.  The two girls who were the second stop, ate a big breakfast with eggs, Hi-C, etc, every morning.  They never told their parents that they had motion sickness.  So, almost every morning, they'd puke on the bus.  We'd have to open the bus windows and hang our heads out of them, even in the middle of winter. The ride was over an hour long.  It was horrible.

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Friday, August 27, 2021 5:01 PM

rdamon
They didn't have to walk to school each day in the snow. Uphill BOTH ways!!

They will have when they start telling their kids their stories.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,020 posts
Posted by tree68 on Friday, August 27, 2021 6:57 PM

rdamon

They didn't have to walk to school each day in the snow. Uphill BOTH ways!!

In junior high I actually did. 

The village straddles the river.  We lived atop one hill on the south side, the school was atop the hill on the north side.  It was almost exactly a mile, and I did walk both ways (no buses for us kids living in the village!).   Down the hill, over the river, and back up the other hill.  We did use the bridge...

Rain, snow, sleet, hail.  We all walked.  No soccer moms in SUVs in those days.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy