When it comes to moving your cargo, you have options: road, rail, water, or air. While each has their own respective benefits, rail is one of the better options to choose thanks to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, among other attributes. Learn more about the advantages of rail transportation and how it can greatly impact your business.
Organized
According to the Association of American Railroads, the railroad industry is the critical link in the nation’s supply chain, moving millions of tons of goods over a 140,000-mile network every day. This requires vast organization. Rail has fixed routes and follows a schedule, so you can constantly monitor your cargo’s location. Also, since rail doesn’t deal with unusual traffic patterns, you will know the generally scheduled departure and arrival times of your freight.
Quick
Rail usually travels longer distances with fewer stops than trucks, especially when traveling far distances. Because of this, your cargo can arrive at a destination via rail before it would arrive via truck. This is extremely important when dealing with time-sensitive projects, and when you’re not waiting on a shipment to arrive, the project can continue moving forward as planned.
Versatile
Having a freight option that can accommodate your hauling needs is important, and rail’s versatility makes it a great option. Not only is rail capable of moving heavy and bulky items between destinations, but your hauling needs are easily met by simply adding more cars to the train. If necessary, you can also opt for transloading services to move your cargo from rail to water, rail to truck, or vice versa. This provides a beneficial mode of transportation to help get your cargo to its desired destination.
Dependable
You can always count on rail, and that is one of the biggest advantages for choosing it as a freight option. It is not as easily influenced by weather conditions like other modes of transportation. For example, rail will still move through heavy rain, fog, and even snow, while others like trucks are stationed until the roadways clear.
Environmentally Friendly
If you’re looking for a way to move your freight and save the environment, rail is a solid option. According to an independent study for the Federal Railroad Administration, railroads are four times more fuel-efficient than trucks. They also lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce highway congestion, and even reduce pollution. Plus, according to the AAR, one ton of freight can move 436 miles on one gallon of fuel.
Cost Effective
Traveling by rail is also extremely cost effective, and this is important to every company’s bottom line. Since you can move more cargo with one train than you can with one truck, you can instantly save on freight costs while receiving the dependability and versatility your freight requires.
Middle River can quickly and efficiently move your cargo via rail to help keep your project on schedule. Contact a specialist today.
