Intermodal revenue

[MP173]

Does anyone know the approximate revenue (per mile) for intermodal units?

I know this is a general questions in which there are many factors such as market conditions, backhaul, etc...but the truckload carriers have always had benchmark per mile figures (such as $1.50 per mile, etc) for long haul movements.

For instance, I saw a NS intermodal this morning (I30, which should be an extra Jacksonville, Fl - Chicago) with 135 containers. I asked myself...how much revenue is on that train?

Any ideas?

ed

[spbed]

My suggestion would be to contact one of the carloaders located in Chicago such as Clipper & have them send you their their present rate sheets between whatever cities you maybe interested in. They I guess you can use a common deduction of say 10 or 15% as their profit margain & then you will have a real good idea of the RRs revenue per trailer. [:D]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

Does anyone know the approximate revenue (per mile) for intermodal units?

I know this is a general questions in which there are many factors such as market conditions, backhaul, etc...but the truckload carriers have always had benchmark per mile figures (such as $1.50 per mile, etc) for long haul movements.

For instance, I saw a NS intermodal this morning (I30, which should be an extra Jacksonville, Fl - Chicago) with 135 containers. I asked myself...how much revenue is on that train?

Any ideas?

ed

[oltmannd]

It really depends a lot on the lane, the volume and trailer vs. container and whether or not you are bringing you own equipment.

About 10 years ago, UPS paid roughly a buck a mile on some lanes on Conrail. Steamship containers less than half that. Everything else was in between.

[Anonymous]

I just finished reading the rates supplied by the Canton Railroad on a .pdf sheet.

Dont these companies involoved in intermodal advertise rates in .pdf form for anyone considering shipping by train? I have been wondering that myself.

By the way I'd love to see that 1.50 per mile. It costs about 1.05 just to keep the truck rolling with everything considered.

[MP173]

Truckload rates are up quite a bit, but I am out of touch with what the benchmark is now. All I know is my trucking customers are very happy (for a change).

My guess is the rates for intermodal would be somewhere in the $1/mile range, which would have put that 135 container train at $150,000. Discounted somewhat for the steamships...possible revenue around $125,000.

Just a guesss.

ed