Importance of railroad transportation of goods

Railroad transportation involves moving goods across long distances by loading them on trains. The global railway network is continuously expanding, allowing shippers to move their goods to remote geographical locations. Rails are an effective method of intermodal transport and a cost-effective and secure means of transporting different types of cargo. Let us learn more about railroad transportation. 

 

Define railroad transportation of goods. 

Railroad transportation of goods is moving freight or cargo in shipping containers using a diverse system of railway tracks and trains. It helps in the transportation of goods using an intense network of interconnected railroads, where trains, consisting of locomotives and railcars, facilitate the movement of goods over land. This mode of delivery is used for domestic transportation and is known for its efficiency, especially in moving large volumes of bulk commodities and goods over long distances.  

If the destination is too far to be covered using trucks but does not require a vessel or plane for transport, rails are efficient solutions for exporters. They help in the seamless flow of goods across the supply chain and play a crucial role in global logistics, providing a cost-effective and efficient option for the movement of different types of cargo. 

 

Importance of railroad transportation 

Railroad transportation is an integral part of the logistics and transportation process and has its application in diverse industries. The purpose of railroad transportation includes- 

• Domestic freight movement- Rail transport is highly efficient for moving large volumes of goods over long distances. Trains can carry heavy and bulky loads, making them suitable for transporting bulk commodities, including coal, minerals, grains, and industrial products. 

• Environmental safety- Transportation using railways is considered environmentally friendly compared to other transportation modes since it does not release high carbon emissions like vessels or planes. With technological advancements, trains are being modified to contribute to lower carbon emissions per ton-mile, making it a more sustainable option. 

• Intermodal transportation—For shipments requiring more than one means of transport, rails can be an efficient choice. For long-distance domestic and international transport, railways can be used in combination with other modes of transport, such as trucks, vessels, or planes. This integration enhances the overall efficiency of the supply chain. 

• Bulk cargo handling—Railroads facilitate the easy movement of bulk cargo and are capable of efficiently handling bulk commodities. Exporters can seamlessly move large quantities of goods, such as minerals, agricultural products, and energy resources, in specialized railcars or dry bulk containers. 

• Long-distance secure transportation—The global rail network, primarily that of the US, excels in covering extensive distances without the need for frequent stops. This makes railroad transportation well-suited for cross-country and transcontinental shipments. Shippers can track the movement of their goods and offer reliable shipping. 

 

Benefits of railroad transportation  

The advantages of railroad transportation are as follows- 

• Rail transportation is considered one of the cost-effective modes of transport, especially for long-haul shipments. Trains can carry substantial amounts of goods in a single trip, thus reducing overall costs. 

• Trains operate on fixed routes, offering security and safety for the goods in transit. The infrastructure is designed for secure and controlled transportation. 

• It allows regional and cross-country transportation of goods, enhancing agility in the supply chain. 

• Rails are a sustainable mode of transporting goods, leaving minimum carbon footprints and enhancing supply chain efficiency. 

 

Examples of goods transported using railroads 

Rails can accommodate different types of shipping containers and cargo. Let us learn more about the types of cargo transported using railroads. 

• Agricultural products- Grains such as wheat, corn, soybeans, livestock feed, and other bulk commodities are moved using rails from farms to processing centers and distributor markets. 

• Automobiles—High-volume goods and heavy machinery, such as automobiles and automotive parts, are stored in 53-foot intermodal containers and transported on trains to their destination. 

• Chemicals—Rails can move all types of cargo, including hazardous goods. Tank containers on trains transport a wide range of chemicals, including petrochemicals, industrial chemicals, and other hazardous materials. 

• Construction material- Raw materials, such as steel, lumber, and wood, are transported by loading them onto trailers and chassis attached to trains.  

These uses make railroad transportation one of the most used methods for moving goods domestically and internationally. 

 

LOTUS Containers sells various shipping containers, including dry van containers, tank containers, and 53ft intermodal containers, for the easy transportation of goods on rails.