Rail logistics is a critical part of the global transportation industry, connecting people and goods across vast distances efficiently and cost-effectively. Despite its importance, there are several clichés about rail logistics that persist in popular conversation. These clichés often have misconceptions about the industry, hindering its progress and potential as well as impacting rail shippers …
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As with any industry, data and the knowledge that comes from data is important. Whether the insights you can find are helpful to you directly, as someone involved in rail shipping, or indirectly, as someone looking for information on the transportation industry, that knowledge can come in handy. But with so much information out there, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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New Carta Porte Information Additional 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 as the SAT. The new Carta Porte requirements will be effective July 31, 2023. Complete list of Carta Porte Requirements to be …
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 …