ShortlinesUSA
12-28-2009, 01:39 PM
I thought some may find the linked article of interest. This is a prime example of how some midwestern and western shortlines are being sucked dry by newer, much larger grain elevators located on the class 1s. The elevators are frequently served by unit, shuttle trains that the class 1s have done a better job serving with dedicated service. The elevator usually has a short time to turn the train around, typically about 24 hours. Most of the time, there is very little, if any, switching work involved for the class 1-- the elevator handles it all with a plant switcher. Class 1s get what they want-- long haul traffic with no local switching costs for them, just need a crew of two to take it from point A to point B. As a result, the class 1s have been very cooperative at getting these facilities to locate along their lines.
While this is certainly progress and a free market economy at work, this article does give some insights into the unintended consequences of the "super elevators" for both small towns and shortline railroads that host small grain elevators.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27rail.html?_r=1
While this is certainly progress and a free market economy at work, this article does give some insights into the unintended consequences of the "super elevators" for both small towns and shortline railroads that host small grain elevators.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27rail.html?_r=1