Many shippers are realizing the benefits of increased use of intermodal transportation for those lanes where intermodal competes with trucking. The increased use of intermodal also has a green effect, as in dollars, as well as enhancing sustainability to a company’s supply chain. Here are some facts to prove the point:
- Railroads consume 1 gallon of fuel to move one ton of freight an average of 405 miles. That equates to approximately 250 miles per gallon.
- More than 1 billion gallons of fuel would be saved each year if 10% of highway freight were moved by rail
- A single intermodal train could save 5.2 million gallons of fuel per year
- A freight train emits two-thirds less greenhouse gas emissions for every ton mile compared to typical truck shipments
- Railroads are three times more fuel efficient than trucks
Unfortunately many shippers still believe railroad transportation is slow and unreliable; nothing could be further from the truth. It behooves shippers to check with their railroad and/or intermodal service providers to benchmark the rates and service levels for major shipping lanes.
I think shippers should start to rely more on moving their products through the use of railways, however, it remains to be seen how this will impact the many trucking industries and companies throughout the United States.
Not only should shippers be more aware of the resources that rail provides, as well as trucking firms. With the growing shortage of drivers, equipment and congestion (not to mention enforcement), teaming up with railroad (especially smaller roads) can prove profitable. There is a “learning curve” and initally requires determined hard work, but it is often worthwhile.
The shortage of smaller community ramps does impact rail ability to realize its full green potential.
Trans-loading terminals are becoming an substitute for community ramps.