Reliance on any one system is a bad idea. I am of the opinion that the US rail system is nearing the breaking point. We simply need more train tracks and distribution centers.
It is NOT one system. It includes air, rail, and especially trucks to get product to market. BTW, we have plenty of distribution centers because we are the biggest consumers in the world. Just got a package from Amazon yesterday deliver by? Why do you think we are the most prosperous nation in the World? It all revolves around FREE ENTERPRISE, something the Socialists disdain.
This pandemic is going to be a learning experience for many, especially China.
Yup. 4 to 6 cents per ton per mile.
Two to three truckloads per rail car-unless its a stack train.
Get the trailers to a distribution center and let the transfer companies take it from there.
Problem is that the rail companies have abandoned a lot of rural subs and gone to their main line only.
I second that.