I am new to shipping by rail. What are some advantages of shipping by rail that trucking doesn't offer? (Tony Hatch)

Hatch Anthony

Rail is almost surely cheaper, and as/if they become more reliable through PSR (etc.) they will allow for reduced inventory levels (thereby widening theĀ total transport/inventory cost for shippers versus trucks).

They are also more fuel-efficient (total cost) and thereby more emissions efficient.

Finally, they are a surer source of capacity given the periodic TL tightness, driver shortages, lack of investment into the highway system, etc.