Moving goods by truck is popular for many reasons, but moving products by rail has many advantages to consider. Please continue reading to learn more.
1. It’s Cost-Effective
It’s understandable that a lot of companies use trucks to move their products around the country. Using trucks offers the most flexibility and ability to get the products to a company or consumer’s doorstep.
But moving products by rail and having railcars automatically unloaded can save companies a lot of money. It’s estimated that companies that shift from shipping by truck to rail can save between 10% and 40% on shipping costs.
Rail freight has much lower fuel costs compared to trucks, and this is especially true in a time of higher energy costs in the United States.
It’s especially more cost effective when sending freight over thousands of miles. If you need to add more freight, you only need to add more rail cars, up to a point. This is more efficient than having to order more trucks and drivers.
2. Can Handle Big Loads
People think that a big rig can handle a lot of freight, but did you know a train with double-stacked cars can hold as many as almost 300 trucks? Companies with huge loads can do better financially with rail shipping.
3. Reliable
There are far fewer railway accidents today than decades ago. Railroad security and safety has vastly improved, so you can count on your load getting where it needs to go safely.
Also, there have been major improvements in how trains are routed and timed so loads usually get to their destination on time.
Because the train is running on a track, there isn’t anything to slow it down once it’s moving. You won’t need to fret about traffic or weather delays causing issues.
4. Highly Organized
Every day in the US, railroads move countless tons of goods across a railroad network of 150,000 miles – this means it must be tightly organized.
These days, railroads use set schedules and fixed routes, so you know where your freight is going at any time. You can always check online and see where your freight is and when it’s estimated to arrive.
5. Better for the Environment
Train engines emit far fewer carbon emissions than trucks, which saves millions of tons of carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere. This is the case with electric engines which are being used more than ever today.
6. When Rail Is Limited
Clearly, shipping products by rail offers many advantages, but it won’t always work best. First, the rail company and consignee shouldn’t be more than 200 miles from a large city with a railroad terminal.
Shipping by rail isn’t as timely as by truck, so this solution may not be appropriate for loads that need to get there fast.
Next, be sure you are not sending freight that is prohibited or restricted by state or federal law. For example, some auto parts cannot be shipped by rail if they are prone to leakage.
It’s also important to use the correct packing strategies in the railcars. Containers experience a lot of movement. If the products aren’t blocked and braced properly, there could be a denied claim.
Conclusion
Using rail to move your shipments might not be the obvious choice. But more companies are choosing railroads to move large shipments because of the efficiency and cost savings.
Try moving large shipments by rail today and see if you ever want to go back.
