An economic analysis of heavy axle loads: The effects on short line railroads and the tradeoffs associated with heavy cars

For reasons of efficiency, Class I railroads are replacing 263,000-pound grain rail cars with heavier 286,000-pound cars. The larger cars increase the net-to-gross car weight ratio and thus reduce freight train cost per revenue ton mile. However, short line railroads will be hurt by heavier cars because their track structures are in poorer condition as a result of deferred maintenance.;The objectives of this thesis were to evaluate the effects and tradeoffs of using 286,000-pound rail cars on short line railroads. Important information was gained from survey of short line railroads. Three infrastructure indicators were evaluated: the portion of short line route miles that cannot efficiently handle 286,000-pound cars, route miles in need of upgrading, and upgrading costs. The impacts of potential track closings on cost and profitability also were analyzed. Finally, a short line railroad costing model was developed to evaluate the tradeoffs associated with heavy axle loads on short line railroads. These tradeoffs include speed, average haul, carloads, and service frequency.