Unit train operation solves paper mill service challenge
http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2017/05/08-vermont-rail-system-pan-am-railways-and-omya-team-up-to-save-rail-traffic
Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine
This illustrates one of my favorite and private sayings; "Many railroad service problems are between people's ears."
Mac
An interesting comment about part of EHH's philosophy that hasn't had enough discussion here: When you can set something up so it works by procedure, set it up right SO you don't have to touch it again.
This is just like JIT with a predictive period: precise delivery of stock for forward expected production, with fixed ship and delivery windows. Note that part of the secret here is the ability to pad the 'unit train' out with other cars to make it 'worthwhile' to operate regardless of the actual number of cars Omya sources on a given shipping day: there is a potential time advantage to other customers who would value the short assured transit, and a default advantage to at least some of the shippers of other freight in the train.
Shows me that when people get together and understand the intersection between railroading and logistics, you can get good answers -- much the same as with CP Expressway in its different context.
Thanks, Brian -- this was useful to read.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.