All hail the rail
Since the deregulation of rail in 1980, the rail has gained ground as part of the freight cargo infrastructure needs of the United States. Rail has cemented itself a position within the freight shipping world that it is here to stay. With billions of privately invested funds for improved railroad tracks and state of the art networks, it is a wonder why shippers would not take a good hard look at rail and how they can benefit from their resurgence. Today’s current rail is like a Phoenix born of the ashes of what was once a frail almost bankrupt industry. Rail shipping service can be part of a shipper’s freight shipping needs with reliability, safety, and considerable savings all rolled up into one.
Change is hard
The recession of 2008 took with it many small to medium sized business, including small and medium sized trucking operations. As the economy improved some of those businesses have come back and some new ones as well. In order to meet the demand of an improving economy shippers and manufacturers have had to ship more and are finding that many of the truck operations they depended on are no longer there. As a result of less trucking companies and the continued driver turnover that plagues the trucking industry capacity concerns have become a very real problem and a major headache for distributors looking to take their product to the retail shelves across America. Shippers looking for truckload service are finding their truckload rates have skyrocketed. Budget restraints have all but made it a necessity for shippers to look elsewhere to fill the void that trucking has left. Although in the United States over 60% of freight is moved over the road, companies who solely use over the road trucking service are missing out on a key component that can help them meet shipping deadlines as well as fill in the gaps on harder to cover lanes.
Rail the Ace in your pocket
Understanding the shortcomings of the over the road truckload market has been of great benefit to the rail industry. Rail is now investing as much as 40 percent of their overall revenue back into railroad improvement and new rail cars for better and faster service. Shippers who are not involving rail within their transportation scheme will find that fulfilling all their orders via strict over the road truck service to be challenging and expensive. Rail schedules are consistent and with new service areas opening up the future of rail freight look brighter than ever. With a little planning rail can be worked in as part of a shipper’s daily schedule. Shippers looking to find a way to minimize their carbon footprint would also be happy to know that rail is environmentally responsible with a the ability to transport a 2000 pound pallet for a total of 430 miles on a single gallon of fuel. This fact is amazing and considerable when compared to the alternative. Shipping via rail can be a rewarding and a seamless part of your freight shipping needs with the help of a freight specialist. It’s time to look at the new rail and accept that rail has turned the page and like a Phoenix has been reborn from the ashes of it predecessor.
With these tips you should have a safe and pleasant experience using a freight service company such as Freight-Specialist. We recommend that you consult with us prior to having your shipment scheduled for pickup if you have any doubts or concerns.
