Trucks being displaced by rail?!

[88gta350]

There is a NS spur that runs behind my house. There are numerous wharehouses and light industries on the "other side of the tracks" that at one time used to be served by this line. Now all but one has abandonded rail and turned to trucks. Only the Carlisle rubber plant gets switched everyday, and that's a few hoppers. Today I drove past the wharehoses on my way to work and noticed one of them was laying track! I thought they were putting in all new lines and making a new connection to the spur, so today I walked back the line to get a close view of what they were doing. It turns out the siding's been there all along, but was one of the many that had been abandonded and grown over. They were, however, completely rebuilding the siding. Several sidings in fact. I'm not sure yet what the wharehouse/industry is, but they seem to be going back to rail. The siding they're rebuilding hasn't been used in years, probably decades. It was neat to see all new rail, ties and ballast down. From what I saw, it look like the business is going to be cutting up the side of their building to istall receiving docks, but I'm not sure about that yet. I'm anxious to see what kind/how much traffic it gets. It gets kind of boring watching the same old GP-38 switch a few hoppers around everyday.

Maybe this will persuade some of the other industries that have abandonded the line to rethink rail again. I could have myself quite a little rail town going on behind my house.

I snapped some pics of the equipment. If anybody wants to see them I'll post them. Not much to see though.

[route_rock]

Yup its going to happen.Trucks now have a total on duty time of 14 hours.This includes breaks and waiting to load unload etc.After 14 you must sit 10 hours.Rail is looking better and better to most shippers and trucking companies as well.Dont be shocked to see a few more warehouses getting in the act.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Such a situation could prove to be interesting in the area around Clearing Yard. There are lots of abandoned spurs still in place in the industrial district on the north side of Clearing. The area south of Clearing is newer and doesn't have as many spurs but some new ones might be installed.

[OldArmy94]

It seems our highways are becoming more and more congested with trucks. My commute is generally pretty pleasant with the exception of those darn 18-wheelers clogging up things. I know they aren't going anywhere but I sure as heck hope that shippers will go to rail--giving me more trains to watch AND freeing up the interstate for my unfettered cruising! :)

As an aside, does the recent rise in fuel costs make shipping by truck a less desirable option? Consolidating freight into rail shipments may help offset some of those costs for companies. I dunno, though. Any experts in fuel costs vs. modes of shipping?

[Anonymous]

I think this will be the trend in next ten year with some condition that can turn that around.
First the reason that this will happen.
1. Rail is the cheapest cost per ton mile, in fact way ahead of what in second place.
2. Energy cost has risen in the short term and seem it will continue long term.
3. Highway infrastructure will continue to decline or road taxes will continue to increase. One or the other with both effecting trucking
4. Highway traffic will continue to plague trucking greatest assest is the ability to deliver loads in less amount of time.
The reasons that will prevent rails from taking business from trucking
1. Increased traffic on rail lines due to increase business
2. Lack of rail to carry the increase traffic thus slowing deliver times even lower (Railroads lack the "Field of Dream" idea, build it and they will come idea)
3. Increased in coal loads thus increase of traffic
4. Railroads continue to give priority route status to coal over general merchandise ( general merchandise that was taken from ther trucking business)
Any of these items can change at a moments notice and advance forward or make steps back in gathering truck business.
Of an interesting note in one of the last couple of months issue of "Trains" there is an article talking about the Swiss wanting to reduce truck traffic and the steps they are taking to obtain that goal. One idea being that there would be a reduction of gas emision and reduction of traffic. Are we at that point yet? I don't think so but I would pay attention to what is happening Europe and letting them be the bell weather case.
Bob Berry

[Anonymous]

Yup, like all reasons given by the above posters, things are looking great for rail in the near and long term future.

We've hit the bottom and we're well on our way back up!

Of course intermodal will be a big part of the future.

[88gta350]

I was very impressed with what the swiss were doing to reduce truck traffic and think the same should be implemented here. Every citizen in the country that pays taxes or fuels up a car pays to help maintain the roads the trucks use, but not the rails. The playinf field should be leveled a bit.

And as a bonus, when I was walking along the tracks I came across a largr raspberry patch, full of fresh raspberries!! Yum!

[Anonymous]

Well I am a big trucking fan, more so than rail. Probably be far out numbered if any arguements come abound. I have and will always continue to support trucks. I don't understand why everyone gets so mad about trucks, but than again this is a train forum after all.[8)] Cant we all just get along lol

The problem with rails at the moment and probably more as time goes on, is overcapacity. Just look at the UP now. The rail infrastructure in the states is terrible with companies ripping up or abandoning rail lines that no longer serve a business or arent profitable anymore. Plus you have people who dont care to have that dirty, noisy, and long train going past their place or being stopped by one.

But one question that pops into my head, is why should people who drive up and down the roads, contribute to rails? They pay for all to enjoy the roads we have. If someone wants to contribute to the rails, instead of taking your car which just adds up to the congestion on the highways anyways, just look no further than the train. Pointing fingers at trucks for adding to the congestion on our roads is just a poor excuse. Maybe some should look into carpooling or taking another form of transportation before complaing about trucks. Oh so thats what a bus is for lol. After all one of the main reasons for having an interstate system was for truck travel.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by OldArmy94

It seems our highways are becoming more and more congested with trucks. My commute is generally pretty pleasant with the exception of those darn 18-wheelers clogging up things. I know they aren't going anywhere but I sure as heck hope that shippers will go to rail--giving me more trains to watch AND freeing up the interstate for my unfettered cruising! :)

As an aside, does the recent rise in fuel costs make shipping by truck a less desirable option? Consolidating freight into rail shipments may help offset some of those costs for companies. I dunno, though. Any experts in fuel costs vs. modes of shipping?

[#ditto]

[88gta350]

The main catalyst behind the construction of the interstate highway system was to efficiently move war materials between cities, and the mass exodus of people in case of a nuclear war. I don't know if it still in effect, but when the highway system was originally built there was a law stating that for every 6 miles of highway, 1 mile of it had to be straight. This was to ficilitate the landing of aircraft should it be needed. Eisenhower, who enacted the Highway Act, was very influenced by Germany's Autobahn, which also was built for war movements.

People get angry at trucks, IMHO, because they're big, slow, lumbering vehicles, that take up a lot of space and they're seen as unsafe. Although, I personally know they enjoy a much safer record than 4 wheelers, per mile.

The government subsidizes trucks by building the highway system they use, for them. Why doesn't rail get the same? Rail companies don't get their rail laid for them? And all that deisel fuel the engines use? The tax on that goes to pay for roads, and more trucks, the railroads competitors. Is that fair?

[88gta350]

I did a little recon and research today. The wharehose that is laying the rail line is owned by Allen Distribution. They have a number of wharehouse in the area, and one of their other wharehouses is listed as already having rail docks. Their website says they offer overflow wharehousing for customers, as well as general shiiping contracts. I would assume this means the traffic to this wharehouse will be typical box cars.

Their website does say that their transportaion operation features rail intermodal drayage. I'm not sure what that term means, but I suspect it simply means they ship some of their trailers by train? If it does, that's not what's going to happen at this wharehouse, they're definately building docks into the wharehouse.

[88gta350]

ok, found some more answers, here is a quote from their website (the carlisle PA facility is the one that is rebuilding their line, perhaps they've gotten a customer after all these years that wants to ship by rail):

RAIL LOADING/UNLOADING - PIGGYBACK RAMP SERVICES -- OCEAN CONTAINER DRAYAGE

Whether it is boxcar rail, piggyback, or ocean containers, Allen Distribution has the facilities, equipment and personnel to handle your requirements.

Our Chambersburg, PA facility has direct rail access with CSX when your freight cost is best achieved on that line. Our Carlisle, PA facilities have direct rail access with Norfolk Southern should your freight costs be less on that line.

Our staff is highly experienced in the loading and unloading of boxcar product. We are capable of handling floor loads, palletized shipments, slip-sheet product, as well as carton clamp or roll clamp items. Whatever your item, chances are Allen Distribution has the equipment and experience necessary to handle your requirements in an efficient and expeditious manner.

When your shipping or receiving needs turn to piggyback services, Allen Distribution can deliver turnkey help. Our in-house fleet services the rail piggyback ramp at Harrisburg, PA on a daily basis. We can handle the drayage of your trailers or containers from the ramp to your facilities or ours and return the unit to the ramp, freeing you from any drayage arrangements and trailer detention costs.

The ports of Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA and Newark, NJ are serviced regularly for ocean container drayage service by our in-house fleet. Our warehouse staff handles the loading and unloading of ocean container materials, for import or export, on a daily basis. Often we have ocean containers available for outbound shipment at the Allen Distribution facilities, thus saving you additional drayage costs. We can also handle the drayage of ocean containers to your facilities at cost competitive rates.

[Anonymous]

I thought theyve been saying this for a long time, that the trains are gonna take out all these 18 wheelers.

[cstaats]

The railroads could win a lot of business if there deliveries were predictable. I would be happy to use BNSF as a rolling warehouse as long as when I need a sub assembly it will have just arrived right on schedule. Welcome to the world of just in time delivery that is what it is all about. I do not need speed I need predictability.

[AlcoRS11Nut]

I would like to just say one thing about that......


IT"S ABOUT TIME!!!!!

[BaltACD]

Rails biggest problem in 'stealing' over the road truck traffic is lack of effective capacity.

For the last 40 year and more the rail system of the US in response to Wall Street types and Bean Counters has been 'right sizing' their physical plants on Wall Street's and the Bean Counters presumption that rail is a dying industry and technology and needs to pare itself to have minimum level of capacity for the traffic that is currently being handled ONLY. Right Sizing has, in general, left the railroads with no room for growth especially growth that requires some priority in it's handling.

Second problem that rails have in securing truck traffic is lack of intermodal ramp capacity. For the most part the ramps that exist were developed in the 50's and 60's when intermodal was in it infancy. Now that intermodal is in its business adolesence it has outgrown the facilities that birthed it. Local communities do not look favorably on new intermodal facilities as not only does it bring increased train traffic, it brings a quantum level of truck traffic on the road system of the area in which the new ramp gets located.

Increased capacity and increased intermodal facilities can be built, however, it takes leadership with nerve and vision to accomplish it. I don't see such leadership existing in the railroads of the US at this time.

Were the leadership of US railroads, with thier current mindset, to have been the leadership of the B&O in the 1830's the undertaking would never have been completed to the Ohio River and would probably have been sold for scrap as an idea that did not have a sufficient return on investment.

[csxns]

Looks like Union Pacific is giving their business to trucks.NS is abandoneing a branch here in NC next to interstate 85 and highway 321 now they dont allow doubles and 53 footers on 321 north to I 40 in Hickory NC because the exit ramps want take the long trailers.Now the highway dept says when the tracks are gone the exit ramps will be rebuilt so trucks want have to go all the way to I 77 to get to I 40 sounds like NS is helping trucking.

[UPTRAIN]

Trucks help take cargo where trains can't they are very vital to transportation.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

Trucks help take cargo where trains can't they are very vital to transportation.

I agree, that's where, especially with the way of the future (intermodal) trucks and trains should be trying to work together instead of competing....

Trucks = The Short Haul
Trains = The Long Haul

[TrainFreak409]

QUOTE: Originally posted by macguy

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

Trucks help take cargo where trains can't they are very vital to transportation.

I agree, that's where, especially with the way of the future (intermodal) trucks and trains should be trying to work together instead of competing....

Trucks = The Short Haul
Trains = The Long Haul

I agree with this, but still...

DOWN WITH TRUCKS! TRAINS RULE!

[8]TrainFreak409[8]

[Anonymous]

According to what I found here, the railroad is subsidized as well. Im sure this is repeated throughout the country.

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/aid/railprojects.htm

Leaving trucks to do the local work isent the answer. The amount of trucks it would take to pull all those 20, 40, and 53 foot containers would increase to a greater extent as today. Thats just containers, wait to see all the trucks it would take to help haul away all the freight from the box cars, etc. Talk about conjestion in a tiny area like a city.

Plus trains are set up to haul large quantities of freight. They can't handle a load from a shipper who ships product a few times a week in small amounts. Trucking provides great service, something trains are lacking these days. There will always be long haul trucking because there will always be shippers out there who would rather pay for service than how cheap I can get ship it for.

Im not too worried about trucks loosing alot of freight to rails anyways. Until the day I see a rail spur at a Wal Mart store, than I'll start to worry some, but I dont see that day ever coming. Just look at Ice Cold Express, didnt they close that all up?

[Anonymous]

trains will never take much freight from trucks. mainly due to the railroads not being able to increase capacity, or train speed.

i haul perishable produce from the west coast to the east coast and there is no way a train can compete. they are just too slow and unreliable. all the produce would be rotten before it arrived. the only produce moving by rail is the tough stuff, like carrots, potatoes, apples and pears.


if you bought it, a truck brought it!

[BaltACD]

If they grow it, it goes by rail.....somewhere!

[Anonymous]

it's just too bad me as a truck driver can't pull in the $95k a year an engineer might...[dinner]

[csxns]

Farmer you need to doctor that log book a bit.

[route_rock]

LOL doctor the log book in this day and age!! You would be a braver man than IUnder current hours of service rules a solo would have a hell of a time making it from west coast to east coast in a timely fashion.I have seen reports on certain trains making the trip in roughly 50 hours was it(not sure the exact time)But I think that was Chicago to LA but still here is the meat of the issue.Trucks will lose drivers faster than ever now.Maybe not solos but teams are being run out of the buisness.5 days without a shower and eating hotdogs twice a day was not for me and the fiancee.Asking for a break to get laundry and shower and normal food things done was absolutly out of the question.My god you have to be kidding me you want a break!!!!We ran so hard that we ran out of hours as a TEAM! Which is almost impossible to do but it can be done.BTW our dispatch was regularly 56+mph in a 68to 71 mph truck(depended on her mood)plus no account for weather traffic and they shaved 200 to 500 miles per dispatch for their 'take"oh and after the shave is when you got your ETA not the whole actual miles but the this is what you get paid miles.You want to take a lot of trucks out?Do some short haul stuff.Back and forth shuttles commodity producer to commodity user.Been proven it works plus you get more rail traffic and more rail jobs.I can tell you for one I will never drive a truck again(unless it is a motor home) Rail is for me.BTW I was a driver for 13 years know all the tricks and advise any from trying them anymore cause it is now a federal offence to lie on your logbook.Stay safe all.

[88gta350]

UPDATE: I saw the first shipment going to the wharehouse today, three boxcars arrived with the usual covered hoppers for the Carlisle rubber plant. The locos were switching longer than usual today, those three extra cars must have complicated the switching moves. Also, there were 2 locos instead of the normal 1 today. I've seen 2 before, but it's unusual. I suspect it will be more common since there will be more cars from now on. It will be interesting to see how much business the wharehouse brings in on the rails.