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[quote user="TimChgo9"] Somehow, the debates get more interesting around here when MichaelSol gets involved.  Honestly, I have done my best to follow this thread.  Since 1/3 (or thereabouts) of shippers are "captive" would it not stand to reason that something should be done about it?  Do the railroads need to be regulated again?  It seems to me, from a very basic standpoint (I do not claim to be an expert, or even knowledgeable about railroad shipping rates, practices, or policies) that the railroads appear to be shooting themselves in the foot, in the "truck vs rail" competition.  If they can move trailers more effieciently than OTR truckers, than why not do it?  I don't know, perhaps I am missing the point here.   [/quote] TOFC service expansion would seem to be the avenue of greatest growth potential for railroads, but as you say they keep shooting themselves in the foot by trying to force their own indiosyncrasies onto what should be a rather simple operation.  Just carry the d*** run of the mill OTR trailers from Point A to Point B.  We don't want to mess with reinforced trailers, domestic containers, and consolidated terminals so far from the real sources of truck traffic that it doesn't even pay to drive to the intermodal terminal anymore.  [quote] But, what I would like to know, (with whatever honesty can be put forth) is what are, say MichaelSol's Strawbridge's, futurmodal's or TomDiehl's basis for the apparent expertise here.. are you guys railroad types, accountants, finance managers, or just very well versed in this particular arena?  I am not taking shots at anyone, just real curious that's all.  I have read many threads on this site, with the above taking a major part, so I am just wondering, that's all. [/quote] BS in Economics with Transportation Emphasis from ISU (they didn't have a de facto Transportation Economics program when I was there).  Also have an MS degree unrelated to anything pertaining to this forum. 15 years working in petroleum distribution, agricultural management, agricultural statistics collection, energy consultation, economic development, railcar design, transportation innovation design. But I consider myself just to be an Average Joe with an intuitive opinion on this forum.
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