Railroad intermodal (the movement of trailers and containers aboard flatcars) is poised to enter a “golden age,” reports the Journal of Commerce.
The magazine estimates that 2011 could set an intermodal shipment record, eclipsing the record 14.2 million trailers and containers hauled by rail in 2006. In 2010, railroads hauled 13.4 million trailers and containers.
For the six weeks ending Feb. 12, the Association of American Railroads reports trailer and container loads are running more than 7 percent ahead of the same period in 2010.
Given a spike in fuel prices owing to Mideast turmoil, and the fuel efficiency advantage of rail over truck, that surge is expected to continue.
Related News
- Local 94 Leads by Example
- Truth and Lies about the BNSF Crew Consist Agreement
- Monopoly in the Making: Union Pacific’s Merger Ambitions Could Shake UP the Rail Industry
- Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Brother Daniel A. May
- Championing Rail and Transit Safety from Coast to Coast
- Potential NJ Transit Strike: What SMART-TD Members Need to Know
- Union Support Available for Members Affected by Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania Flooding
- Local 202’s Tierney Gallegos connects union strength with public good
- Support Brother Michael Garcia After a Tragic Loss
- Alabama Port Authority learns a lesson in solidarity