A BNSF train of approximately 120 or more grain cars passes my train watching spot every five days or so. Four to five days after seeing the north bound train, I see the same set of cars headed south toward Galveston. I know it is the same set of cars because of the graffiti.
I suspect the trains headed to Galveston are carrying export grain. How long would it normally take to load and unload a grain train?
Early in my career I worked at the Goodpasture export elevator on the Houston Ship Channel. Back then (late 1970's), trains were typically 75 cars if corn, 50 if milo and wheat ran in 25 car blocks. We could easily dump 150 to 200 cars each 24 hours.
Curt
JPS1A BNSF train of approximately 120 or more grain cars passes my train watching spot every five days or so. Four to five days after seeing the north bound train, I see the same set of cars headed south toward Galveston. I know it is the same set of cars because of the graffiti. I suspect the trains headed to Galveston are carrying export grain. How long would it normally take to load and unload a grain train?
In many Unit Train rate structures - the requirement is for the train to be loaded within 24 hours at Origin, or there will be penalties. The train is to be unloaded at destination within 24 hours, or there will be penalties. Presumng that the Unit Train rate is a part of a Contract between the Grain Owner and the Railroad - there will also be penalties if the railroad takes longer moving the train between the end points than the contract specifies.
The specifics of the contracts are highly guarded proprietary information between the parties involved.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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