The haul across country on a typical flatbed railcar is about $6000-7000. I am not sure what the railroads get for a tanker. However, I would think it is similar. Therefore, the revenue pay off is about 20 trips. I am not sure of the costs to haul it across on a train with 100 other cars. I would think they would pay off a capital investment like new tanker cars in a 2-3 year period.
$13~15 per barrel seems to be in line with that cost to transport. But that cost is not all profit. Do you know the typical margin in rail traffic?
I think you’re right about the rate. Rental is $750 to $1,000/month (most cars are leased) plus about $9 to $10/bbl for the haul. Figure +/- 500 bbls per car.
I work with tank cars and freight rates every day. Unit train or no unit train, I don’t think a cross country run is doable in two weeks however. More like 6-8 weeks round trip.