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
- Rail Safety Is Too Important For Corporate Discretion
- Virginia 2-PC Law Could Become a Reality if We Act Now
- WATCH: Members Step Up to Take Care of Their Own
- Metro Micro Operators Overwhelmingly Ratify First Contract
- New Documentary Features California Local 1741 Bus Operators
- WATCH: Railroaders Meet Life’s Risks Head-On
- What Does $73.16/Hour Actually Mean?
- New Jersey Leads with Rail Safey Law
- “The Safety Program That Works — And Why Railroads Won’t Use It”
- Jobs Still Protected After Merger Delay