Beyond Auto Transport, Railroads Invest in America

Railroads invest in and continuously work to improve rail equipment and transport processes in a non-stop effort to increase safe handling and on-time delivery for auto shippers. As multimodal rail and truck transport becomes more accessible and affordable, dealers can now reap the benefits of the railroad industry's ongoing investment.

New Fuel-Savings and Environmentally-Friendly Technologies

• Railroads are piloting new, fuel-saving and environmentally-friendly technologies . New locomotives are energy-efficient diesel-electrics, hybrids and Gensets (Generator-Set switchers), which have several independent engines that can turn on and off depending on load requirements.
• Railroads also continue to introduce innovative new technologies such as intelligent computer systems that calculate the most fuel efficient speed for a train and advanced emission control systems that capture and treat diesel-related emissions before they can be released into the air.
• Railroads fund ongoing research at major universities to make transport by rail more efficient. Ongoing research includes use of biofuels, the development of next-generation diesel power plants, and the use of new materials to reduce the weight of rail car components, making them tougher and even more aerodynamic.  

Capital Investment

• Railroads are a key component in the nation’s transportation network and operate on more than 160,000 miles.  Railroads help to keep freight cost low. U.S. freight rail rates were 51 percent lower in 2010 than in 1981, according to AAR.org.
• Because railroads own their tracks and right-of-way, they invest billions of dollars in capital every year to maintain and improve bridges, tunnels, locomotives, freight cars, tracks and other infrastructure and equipment. According to a recent press release on Oct. 26, 2011, Union Pacific alone plans to invest approximately $3.3 billion in capital during 2011, which supports America's current and future freight transportation needs and enhances the safety and efficiency of the Union Pacific's 32,000-mile network.
• To ensure timely delivery regardless of wind, rain or snow - all of which can force major highways to close and delay delivery of needed inventory - railroads operate and maintain a wide range of rail repair and maintenance cars, including snow jets, wedge plows and rotary snowplows capable of clearing heavy, drifting mountain snows in excess of 12-feet deep.

Learn how to ship a car by train or register now to get preferred customer pricing.