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Introduction to Transportation Systems

Explore the key concepts behind railroads as a crucial freight transportation mode. Learn about the technology, cost effectiveness, and various types of freight cars in the railway system. Discover how railroads offer low-cost, efficient hauling of bulk commodities like coal and grain, and their operational advantages compared to other modes. This introductory guide provides a comprehensive overview for understanding the importance and functioning of rail transportation in the global logistics network.

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Introduction to Transportation Systems

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  1. Introduction to Transportation Systems

  2. PART II: • FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION

  3. Chapter 13: Railroads: Introductory Concepts

  4. Railroads • We start with a discussion of railroads for two reasons. • First, it is an important freight mode in many countries. • Second, it is a good illustrative mode. We can use it to introduce concepts that are relevant to other modes as well.

  5. Venerable Mode Badnall, Richard, A Treatise on Railway Improvements, Sherwood, Gilbert and Piper, London, England, 1833.

  6. Rail Technology --A Basic View • Modern railroads are based on the technology of steel-wheel on steel-rail. • Power is provided by locomotives; diesel and electrical locomotives are in common usage. A suggested reference for those interested in understanding the technological concepts behind how railroads operate: Armstrong, John H., The Railroad: What It Is, What It Does, Simmons-Boardman Books, Inc., Omaha, NE, 1993.

  7. Low-Cost Transportation • Rail is fundamentally different in operation from a highway. • Fixed rails provide guidance and control. There are traction characteristics in steel-wheel on steel-rail that differ greatly from rubber tire on concrete or asphalt. • Spend money on a specialized right-of-way limited to particular kinds of vehicles: locomotives and freight and passenger cars. • By developing this high-cost, specialized right-of-way, we gain tremendous operating advantage in our ability to haul freight, often bulk commodities like coal and grain, at reasonable speed, safely and at low cost.

  8. Railroad Cost Function Total Cost Fixed Cost Ton-Miles Figure 13.1

  9. Railroad AverageCost Function Average Cost/ Ton-Mile Ton-Miles Figure 13.2

  10. Rail vs.Truck Cost Functions Costs Truck Rail Ton-Miles Figure 13.2

  11. Freight Car Types (1) • Box car • Conventional Flat Car • Double-stack • Gondola Car Figure 13.5, 13.6

  12. Freight Car Types (2) • Tank cars 􀂋 • Refrigerator Cars 􀂋 • Auto-Rack Cars

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