Good data helps you make informed decisions, measure your goals, find solutions to problems, and be strategic in your methods. Without data you’re relying on “gut feelings”, which can be affected by different experiences, assumptions, and abstract observations. Whether you’re planning out your rail supply chain and organization, working on a consultation project for a …
 |
Railroad demurrage is a charge that compensates the rail carriers when railcars are held in the carriers serving yard waiting to be ordered in for placement. This a charge that rail shippers try to avoid, as it’s a fee that compounds on top of the loss of revenue by a railcar just sitting and not …
 |
A topic on everyone’s mind recently is fuel. Fuel impacts all of us, whether in our daily commute or in the supply chains that deliver us our products. Thus, rising and falling fuel prices play an important role in our supply chains. Rail carriers utilize a rail fuel surcharge to help balance the fluctuations in …
 |
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 …
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 …
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 …
What is Rail Fuel Surcharge? Simply put, Fuel Surcharge is a tool that was designed for railroads to recover the cost of fuel consumed to move railcars. Fuel Surcharge came about when the cost of fuel increased, and the railroads decided to pass the excess cost onto shippers. The railroads will apply Fuel Surcharge on …
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Surface Transportation Board (STB) calculate several indexes to measure inflation, cost increases, and productivity across rail lines. These indexes can be used to measure the health and status of the rail industry. Some rail contract rates are subject to a railroad cost index, and many contracts state …
Are the railroads telling you they want Through Rates converted to Rule 11? If so, that’s a good thing. Rule 11 railroad rates can give you better pricing visibility and transparency across your routes. With the right information, preparation, and negotiating strategy, you may be able to reduce your rail spend overall. Here’s how. What …