Explore the advantages and disadvantages of rail shipping, one of the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible transportation modes
Welcome to Part II of our transportation mode comparison series where we take a deep dive into the benefits of shipping by rail and the challenges of rail shipping, too.
Companies have a lot of options for freight shipping, which is why we're breaking down the most popular modes of transportation bycost, speed, capacity, reliability and environmental impact. Don't miss the other pieces in the series ontruck, ship/barge and plane.
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Shipping by Rail
From household goods and food products to automobiles and building materials, you name it. It probably shipped by rail at some point. Trains play a major role in connecting markets from coast to coast, shipping the goods that keep America moving. Rail is one of the most efficient and cost effective transportation modes, especially when it comes to shipping very large volumes over long distances. Is it right for you?
RAIL SHIPPING PROS:
- Cost-effective shipping
- Comparable speed to truck shipping
- Ability to transport large volumes of freight at one time
- Reliable transit times and schedules
- Environmentally responsible and fuel efficient
RAIL SHIPPING CONS:
- If you don't have railroad tracks at your facility, coordination with trucks for first- and last-mile shipping may be needed
- Limited reach in some instances
- Very small shipments often do not yield tremendous cost savings
Cost
Rail shipping is considered one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation, especially for large volumes traveling long distances. Due to its ability to move major quantities of freight at one time, rail shipping has a lower cost-per-ton-mile (the cost of moving one ton of freight one mile) than truck shipping. In fact, a train requires less energy to move from Point A to Point B and can carry the freight equivalent of 300 trucks.
When you think about basic physics, the amount of energy needed to move a truck or train is related to the amount of rolling and air friction. A turning steel wheel in contact with steel rail produces a significantly smaller amount of rolling friction than a rolling rubber truck tire in contact with asphalt or pavement. There is less air friction on trains, too, because rail cars are connected and all cars ride together in the draft of a single locomotive. Each truck traveling over the road must independently fight air friction, which, in turn, expends more energy and uses up more fuel.
Speed
While you might think trucks travel much faster than trains, transit times for rail and over-the-road trucking can be comparable. Plus, trains are less susceptible to traffic congestion and road construction delays and have the ability to move shipments over long distances quickly and efficiently.
Capacity
Unlike trucks and planes, rail shipping offers huge carrying capacities that can adjust as your business grows or shipping needs change. Rail can also accommodate shipments of many shapes and sizes, from grain to wind turbine blades.
Reach
You may be surprised to learn that railroad tracks span nearly 140,000 miles across the U.S., reaching all major markets from coast to coast. Even if you don't have railroad tracks at your door, most railroads can help coordinate a door-to-door shipping solution through intermodal transport or transloading.
Shipment Visibility
Typically, most train locomotives are tracked via GPS, and the majority of railroads offer shipment management solutions that help you trace your shipments in real time. All rail cars have Automatic Equipment ID tags, and tag readers are positioned throughout the United States to offer a high level of shipment visibility.
Reliability
Weather delays can have an impact on rail shipments. Today’s railroads are focused on reliable transit times and schedules — and rail shipments can be expected to arrive within a pre-determined timeframe.
Environmental Impact
Shipping by rail is by far one of the most environmentally responsible transportation modes. On average, railroads move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel, and trains are four times more fuel efficient than trucks. Plus, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data show freight railroads account for only 0.5% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and only 1.9% of the transportation-related sources.
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Related Articles:
- Pros and Cons of TruckShipping
- Pros and Cons of Shipping by Air
- Pros and Cons of Shipping by Water
- Transportation Mode Pros and Cons: A Comprehensive Look
VIDEO: Rail Shipping Pros and Cons
FAQs
As a result, although rail transport has advantages such as high carrying capacity, economy, reliability and environmental impact, it also has some disadvantages such as limited flexibility, operating costs, necessity of intermodal connections and delivery time.
What were some pros and cons of the railroads? ›
List the positive and negative effects of railroads on the nation's economy. (+) allowing a huge communication network, the railroads also brought the dreams of available land, adventure. (-)caused harsh lives for the railroad workers, accidents, and diseases disabled and killed thousands of men each year.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of high speed trains? ›
High-speed trains, while offering many advantages in terms of reducing pollution and easing congestion, also have environmental disadvantages. One major concern is the increase in noise and vibration, which can negatively affect the quality of life, disturb sleep, and impact wildlife and nature .
What are two disadvantages of rail? ›
There are risks and disadvantages of transporting your goods by rail including:
- routes and timetables available can be inflexible, especially in remote regions.
- rail transport can be more expensive than road transport.
- mechanical failure or industrial action can disrupt services.
Top 10 benefits of rail transport
- Cost-effective. Compared to other modes of transport, it is cheaper to transport goods and passengers via train than by car or plane. ...
- Environmentally friendly. ...
- High carrying capacity. ...
- Reliable. ...
- Safety. ...
- Reduced traffic congestion. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Energy-efficient.
Main Railway Disturbances: Noise and Vibration, and Air, Soil and Water Pollution
- Noise and Vibration. ...
- Air Pollution and Emission. ...
- Soil Pollution. ...
- Water Pollution. ...
- Soil Erosion and Changes in Hydrology.
Rail has lower fuel costs compared to road transport, especially when shipping a high volume of freight. Rail also has less costs associated with drivers and typically has better costs for drop trailer programs. Shipping via train is more environmentally friendly. Trains burn less fuel per ton mile than trucks.
What are the problems with rail transportation? ›
The sector's persistent challenges include inflation, rising ticket costs, ongoing strikes, service disruptions, and delays. Operators are leveraging innovations in digital systems, mobile connectivity, and station developments to boost passenger comfort and convenience and encourage them to return to rail.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shipping transport? ›
There are risks and disadvantages of transporting goods by sea, including:
- shipping by sea can be slower than other transport modes and bad weather can add further delays.
- routes and timetables are usually inflexible.
- tracking your goods' progress is difficult.
- you have to pay port duties and taxes.
By comparison, rail direct is $70.27 per net ton, and over-the-road truck is $214.96 per net ton. Using multi-modal rail and truck transit compared to truck alone, you can cut transportation costs by more than half.
Cost-Effective
Some estimate that you can save anywhere from 10-40 percent, depending on the conditions and specifics of your transport. This is because driver and fuel costs are lower for rail transit than road transit.
What are the benefits of speed rail? ›
The advantages of high-speed rail are well-known: less commute time, potential to grow jobs and communities, and fewer emissions.
Is high-speed rail cost effective? ›
HSR is expensive and requires high ridership to break even. That is why only certain places in the world have sufficient population density to support HSR.
Who benefits from high-speed rail? ›
High-speed rail contractors hire workers throughout the state and pay other businesses for goods and services. Workers spend their earnings throughout the economy. These direct and indirect impacts induce statewide economic activity by pumping money back into local and regional economies.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Travelling by train? ›
Pros and Cons of Traveling by Train
- Health Benefits. ...
- Environmental Benefits. ...
- Fewer Accidents. ...
- Congestion. ...
- Poor Air Condition. ...
- Not Suitable for Children. ...
- Maintenance.
The sector's persistent challenges include inflation, rising ticket costs, ongoing strikes, service disruptions, and delays. Operators are leveraging innovations in digital systems, mobile connectivity, and station developments to boost passenger comfort and convenience and encourage them to return to rail.
What are the risks of rail transport? ›
Rail freight transportation poses risks such as derailments, cargo shifts, accidents at crossings, and damage to the environment in case of hazardous cargo spills.
