Working with Rail Roads and a Rail Management Company

You cannot have an extensive history in transportation without saying you’ve worked with the railroads.

They are the last great alternative to moving bulk commodities like coal and agri-products as well as over dimensional freight. They are also a great alternative for multi unit shipments and Project Moves. The Rail Roads have improved their infrastructure and now are an important part of a supply chain for many companies, both internationally and domestically to move practically any type of commodity.

Unfortunately for most Transportation Managers, the toughest part of the deal is that you will be working with a provider that expects you to be “as educated” in the process as they are. They also have minimal resources to be able to train a novice to the industry.

Other difficulties many face are the hundreds of short line rail roads for remote areas, finding quality trans-load facilities, as well as the “unique” customer service style the rail roads have.

Many companies have adopted the use of a Rail Management Company like Access America Transport, to facilitate the process.

Below are examples of a few of the many misconceptions and questions people have about shipping by rail.

Problem:
“I don’t have enough volume to take advantage of the rail savings.”

Solution:
A Rail Management Company can consolidate shipments as well as have volume pricing already established so that you can assume the same savings as a volume customer of the rail road.

Problem:
“I don’t have a rail spur outside my building and neither does my end-user.”

Solution:
With a Rail Management Company they can utilize their inter-modal expertise to pick up your shipment anywhere, transport the commodity to a rail spur, rig the shipment for transport, and deliver it directly to your end-user. All you provide is the origin and destination addresses. A Rail Management company will take care of the rest.

Problem:
“I’m interested in doing business via rail, how do I know if it is a viable alternative to trucking my freight.”

Solution:
A Rail Management Company can prepare feasibility studies to show you cost savings vs. trucking and help you organize your supply chain to be able to utilize the benefits.

With the increased costs of transportation & fuel, the dwindling availability of drivers, not to mention road congestion, rail is often an economical and feasible alternative to trucking.