Lawrence Gross's interesting article on Intermodal in the April issue curiously doesn't make any mention of Roadrailer. He does mention that domestic intermodal moves account for only 1 in 6 longhaul loads, and less than 2% of all loads including shorthauls. Wasn't roadrailer supposed to help railroads to break into the shorthaul/regional market? Just curious as to why roadrailer seems to have dropped off the radar...
Roadrailer has found a niche in auto parts shipments and it provides a major source of Triple Crown's revenue. Unfortunately, the equipment is too specialized to handle in small blocks which would have to be attached to the rear end of conventional equipment.
Not only specialized, but the equipment has its share of problems. If you do have a problem - then you had to rely on the triple crown/road-rail service folks to come and fix it.
The biggest problem was the equipment had a tendency to kick when you even thought of applying brakes.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.