Every time we get an opportunity, we assert that rail transportation can often help you reduce shipping costs substantially without disrupting your overall supply chain. However, it is not as easy as just transitioning to rail and picking the first rail lane that presents itself. There are situations when captive lanes create a lack of …
As a third-party logistics provider that specializes in bulk rail transportation in North America, we manage rail shipments across all industries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Amongst our customers, one current common difficulty is that the railroads are struggling to deliver railcars. Across the networks of all railroads, railroad service issues continue to …
Finding the optimal shipping modes and routes can help you reduce shipping costs substantially and improve the efficiency of your supply chain. Rail and truck are the most common shipping modes across land. However, finding which shipping type is right for your materials and your business can be a challenge. Let’s take a look at …
Multiple supply chain disruptions across the last two years have created challenges for logistics professionals. The ongoing pandemic, military conflicts, material shortages, driver shortages, trade wars, and numerous other issues mean the globalized supply chain is unlikely to stabilize anytime soon. As a result, many businesses are using new strategies to get ahead of these …
Supply chain slowdowns continue to present challenges for logistics experts around the world. Truck driver shortages are a component of this growing problem, and experts predict this challenge will continue through 2022. American Truck Associations estimate a shortage of about 80,000 drivers this year, with a total shortage of 160,000 by 2030. So how can …
No one likes to pay demurrage and storage charges. For some shippers, demurrage charges are merely a nuisance. For others, demurrage is a seven-figure annual expense. Many of our clients have found it to be a cost that can be reduced or eliminated with the proper focus and attention. This article offers a number of …
RSI Logistics, Inc. continues to celebrate Black History Month by honoring the rail industry Pullman Porters. Despite many hardships, the porters made their mark on history in shaping a new Black middle class and were part of the catalyst in launching the civil rights movement in America. One of the most significant achievements in the …
Black History Month is a time to commemorate and reflect on the remarkable achievements of African American inventors, pioneers and community leaders who played an integral part in the rail industry. As follows is Part One of a two blog series in which RSI Logistics focuses on those individuals who were instrumental in the advancement …
What is Carta Porte: The Carta Porte is a Mexican tax receipt for merchandise being transported and will soon replace the standard transfer invoice and logistics letter. Changes to the Carta Porte, as mandated by the Mexican Tax Authority, were recently announced. This new requirement was issued by the Servicio de Administración Tributaria, also known …
On November 19th the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) submitted a petition to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to reject the application for the Canadian Pacific (CP) to acquire Kansas City Southern (KCS). The petition submitted by the UP states that the grounds for the rejection is that the application is “incomplete”. The UP contends that …
RSI Logistics, Inc. is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with R. J. Corman Railroad Company, LLC! RSI Logistics will be participating in a marketing alliance by jointly promoting R. J. Corman’s Transload Connect, a new series of custom transloading solutions, as well as serving as its third-party operator at selected R. J. Corman …
In February of 2020, OT-57 was introduced by Railinc. The Loading Authority OT-57 system provides a centralized, paperless process for registering private freight rail equipment and access to controlling entity (shipper, owner, or lessee) contact information and storage information. OT-57, and its predecessor OT-5, is crucial to understand for rail fleet management. Before OT-57, Loading …
You want to run an efficient short line railroad, and making sure operations run smoothly takes time and attention. In between these essential tasks, it can be difficult to find time to grow your business and make sure you’re getting exposure. Furthermore, finding marketing strategies that resonate with your specific customers can be even more …
Fair rates with Class 1 railroads are important for short line railroad profitability. But when these larger railroads keep revenue allocation stagnant for small rail lines, it can be difficult to negotiate. Understanding the pricing system behind Class I railroad rates, and gaining insight into the competitive landscape can bolster your negotiating strategy. With the …
The September 12th acceptance of the Canadian Pacific’s (CP) $31 billion merger offer for the Kansas City Southern (KCS) initiated the KCS’ plans to terminate their merger agreement with the Canadian National (CN). The CN was provided five business days to respond to the KCS. During the morning of September 15th, 2021, the CN released …
Strengthening relationships with shippers along your short line railroad often means increasing railcar volume, improving word-of-mouth-marketing, and encouraging customers to use other rail services you provide. How can you provide value-added insights to customers on your short line? Let’s take a look at strategies that you can use to gain value-added insights and share these …