Freight Trains Basics

Let rail freight companies ship your products to your clients

Cargo trains and freight trains offer an alternative shipping option to semi trucks. Most businesses can send products state to state using the railroad system. In the US, cargo trains offer a way to ship internationally to Canada and Mexico.

Before you determine whether freight train shipping works the best for your business, understand freight trains basics. You might want to consider the following:

1. Is there a freight train route close by and does it connect to near your final destination?

2. What types of products can you ship on cargo trains?

3. Does freight train shipping allow you to move your products as quickly as you need to?

 

Investigate freight train routes and other freight trains information

There are different types of railroads throughout the US, including Class I and regional railroads. Railroad freight companies may use one type or a variety depending on the type of shipping they offer.
Try: National Atlas of the United States offers profiles and maps of railroads. It also offers informative information on the benefits of using cargo trains. RailServe.com provides a directory of links to railroads in the US and Canada.

Determine your packaging needs for freight train shipping

When you use cargo trains to transport your goods, you need to plan how your goods will get from the train station to the final destination. Your packaging needs depend on the type of product you send. Some businesses may require temperature-controlled containers, while others may need to use a container that the shipping company can transfer from the train to a truck without repacking the contents.
Try: Transportation Services offers a network of shipping venues to help you get your product to its final destination. It offers a varity of shipping containers to fit your needs. CSX offers several online tools to help you with your shipping needs. Get schedules, junctions and other freight trains information at its site.

Find rail freight rates before you commit to ship

Rail freight costs often depend on the traffic route, the weight of your cargo and whether the train is near full capacity. To find the best rate, you might want to consider a freight broker.
Try: Freightcenter.com allows you to get free quotes for the five cheapest shipping options. Take a tour of the site before you become a member. Commonwealth offers a line of Waybill tools to help you determine railroad freight rates along given traffic lines.

 

• When you consider this method of shipping, keep in mind that freight trains transport your goods along the rails. You will need to arrange a way to deliver your goods from your business to the station and from the station to your client.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---