In the ever-evolving world of business, the choice of transportation methods for your goods is a crucial aspect. While trucks have been a long-standing choice for many, the rail-served industry provides unique advantages that may redefine your business operations. Let's delve deeper into the benefits and challenges of utilizing rail.
Have you ever thought about the financial implications of moving goods by rail? Rail transport can be incredibly cost-effective, especially for large volumes traveling long distances. To put it in perspective, a train requires less energy to move from Point A to Point B and can carry the freight equivalent of 300 trucks. It's all about cost-per-ton-mile, and rail has a distinct edge over trucking in this respect. Rail transport may have a high upfront cost, but in the long run, shipping by rail will save you money.
“Transportation costs are rising rapidly, and trucking is becoming more difficult due to clogged roads and driver shortages. Rail service provides companies flexibility with logistics options, and for those that ship heavy loads or high volumes beyond 250 miles, the efficiency of rail transportation is very attractive.”
- Stephen Whitley, Whitley Capital, LLC
While trucks might seem faster, rail transport can compete with them in terms of transit times. Trains are less susceptible to traffic congestion and road construction delays, making them efficient for moving shipments over long distances. What's more, railroads are committed to providing reliable transit times and schedules, meaning you can anticipate your shipments to arrive within a pre-determined window.
According to the Association of American Railroads, the United States boasts a vast and complex rail network that spans nearly 140,000 miles across the country. The system is a combination of six Class I railroads, which are defined by their substantial revenue of at least $900 million in 2021, and approximately 615 smaller short-line railroads (Class II and III). The network's vast reach covers 49 states and the District of Columbia, showcasing its integral role in the country's infrastructure.
Beyond efficiency and reliability, rail transportation is also one of the most environmentally responsible modes. On average, railroads can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel, which makes them four times more fuel efficient than trucks. And surprisingly, freight railroads only account for a tiny portion of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. A report from the International Energy Agency highlights that rail transport is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport and emits less CO2 compared to trucking and air transport.
Despite the many advantages of rail transport, it's crucial to consider the potential challenges. For instance, if your facility doesn't have on-site rail access, coordinating with trucks for the first and last mile of the journey may be difficult. Rail might also have limited reach in certain situations. Furthermore, for smaller shipments, the cost savings might not be as significant as with larger volumes.
However, even with these challenges, rail transport presents a strong case for businesses, particularly those dealing with large volumes of goods. If you're exploring your options, don't overlook the potential of the rail-served industry.
“By serving Haines City, CSX is offering the most efficient, cost-effective, environmentally-friendly method for shipping goods long distances over land,” said Aubrey Brown, Senior Manager of Industrial Development for CSX. “This will give shippers an alternative to trucking their goods and will help lower shipping costs in central Florida.”
As you navigate these decisions, remember that you're not alone. The Haines City Economic Development Council is always ready to guide businesses, providing the necessary resources and services to help you succeed in your journey.
Balancing Business Growth With Environmental Stewardship
Haines City EDC Staff
12/5/2024
Why Business Owners Should Invest in Job Training Programs for Their Teams
Haines City EDC Staff
11/26/2024
The Role of Technology and Innovation in Florida’s Economic Future
Haines City EDC Staff
11/19/2024
Sika Breaks Ground on New Facility in Haines City, Florida
Haines City EDC Staff
11/12/2024
Haines City Economic Development Council Receive $10,000 Duke Energy Foundation Grant
Haines City EDC Staff
11/5/2024
How Effective Training Programs Boost Income and Business Growth
Haines City EDC Staff
10/29/2024
How Economic Development Councils Can Drive Change in Your Community
Haines City EDC Staff
10/21/2024
How Investing in Workforce Development Can Unlock Tax Incentives and Exemptions
Haines City EDC Staff
10/15/2024
How Job Training Programs Can Boost Local Economies
Haines City EDC Staff
10/3/2024
Five Ways Workforce Development Can Improve Your Reputation
Haines City EDC Staff
8/20/2024
Which Industries Are Growing the Fastest in Florida?
Haines City EDC Staff
8/13/2024
Haines City EDC Announces Key Appointments of President Cyndi Jantomaso
Haines City EDC Staff
8/6/2024
4 Innovative Ideas to Boost Workforce Development Efforts
Haines City EDC Staff
7/16/2024
What Factors Influence Successful Startups?
Haines City EDC Staff
7/9/2024
How Does Workforce Development Contribute to Company Growth?
Haines City EDC Staff
6/25/2024
3 Key Steps to Accelerate Business Development
Haines City EDC Staff
6/18/2024
Simple Ways to Grow as a Business Owner
Haines City EDC Staff
6/6/2024
Haines City, Florida: Top Ten Fastest Growing City in the United States
Haines City EDC Staff
6/4/2024
Your Guide to Boosting Employee Engagement at Work
Haines City EDC Staff
5/30/2024
How Can I Come Up With a Business Idea?
Haines City EDC Staff
4/16/2024
4 Ways Economic Development Councils Drive Job Creation
Haines City EDC Staff
4/9/2024
Florida's Robust Economic Growth and Infrastructure Expansion News
Haines City EDC Staff
3/21/2024
Strategies for Tech Start-Ups in Florida
Haines City News
3/19/2024
3 Reasons Why New Businesses Fail (and How to Avoid Them)
Haines City News
3/12/2024
What to Look For in Economic Development Help
Haines City News
2/19/2024
Why Job Training Programs Are Worth Your Business's Time
Haines City News
2/8/2024
3 Signs Your Business Isn't Ready to Grow (and How to Fix Them)
Haines City
1/12/2024
3 Ways to Improve Your Company's Performance
Haines City
1/11/2024
Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $200,000 to Haines City for Strategic Infrastructure Enhancement
Haines City EDC Staff
12/18/2023
What Are the Benefits of Job Training Programs?
Haines City
12/5/2023
What Are Impact Fees and How Do They Affect My Business?
Haines City
12/4/2023
How Does Workforce Education and Training Impact Your Business?
Haines City Staff
11/20/2023
Quality Energy Incentives You Can Apply for in Florida Right Now
Haines City
11/3/2023
Safe, Efficient, and Green: Innovations and Climate Commitments in U.S. Rail
Haines City Staff
10/12/2023
Industrial FOMO: 3 Things You Get Access to With Haines City Industrial Park
Haines City
10/5/2023
Haines City's Visionary Embrace of Rail: Navigating Tomorrow's Transport Landscape
Haines City News
10/4/2023
4 Warning Signs You Need Help With Economic Development
Haines City
9/15/2023
What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Scaling Your Business?
Haines City
9/12/2023
4 Reasons Why Rail Systems Are Crucial for Your Business
Haines City
8/29/2023
Haines City EDC's July Milestones Include Vice Chairwoman's Appointment to Polk State District Board
Haines City News
8/10/2023
Haines City EDC receives $25,000 Duke Energy Marketing Grant
Haines City EDC Staff
8/3/2023
What Are the Benefits of Being Located in an Industrial Park?
Haines City
7/24/2023
How Important Is Location When It Comes to Business Success?
Haines City
7/21/2023
Unlocking the Power of Rail-Served Industry: A Closer Look
Haines City EDC Staff
7/12/2023
Join the Journey: Participate in SunRail's Virtual Interactive Workshop for Polk County Extension
Haines City EDC Staff
7/7/2023
How to Find the Best Commercial Property for You
Haines City
6/28/2023
Why Local Economic Development Is Important for Every City
Haines City
6/27/2023
Can Economic Development Grow Your Business?
Haines City
5/22/2023
How to Prepare for an Industrial Land Development
Haines City
5/19/2023
Haines City EDC President, Cyndi Jantomaso, Featured in Florida Trend Magazine's Leadership Insights
Haines City EDC Staff
5/4/2023
Haines City EDC Champions Local Priorities at Polk County Day Reception in Tallahassee
Haines City EDC Staff
4/18/2023
How to Grow Your New Businesses
Haines City
4/14/2023
What to Know About Economic Development
Haines City
4/13/2023
How to Improve Your Business for Your Clients
Haines City
3/30/2023
Moving Your Business? Economic Development Organizations Can Help
Haines City
3/29/2023
Florida Shines in Workforce Development Rankings
Haines City EDC Staff
3/29/2023
Discover Top Talent: Join the 2023 Spring Job Fair in Haines City on April 12th
Haines City EDC Staff
3/22/2023
How can economic development incentives assist in the location of your business?
Haines City Staff
2/17/2023
What are the Benefits of Economic Development?
Haines City Staff
2/16/2023
Support Our community take the SunRail Expansion to Polk County Survey
Haines City EDC Staff
2/13/2023
CRA - Business Workshop
Haines City Staff
1/24/2023
Valuable Tools for Site Selection Success are provided by Haines City EDC
Haines City EDC Staff
12/12/2022
Haines City Property Featured on Duke Energy Parade of Sites
Haines City EDC Staff
12/7/2022
Cybersecurity - Apprenticeship Program Options / Polk State College
Haines City EDC Staff
11/29/2022
Governor Ron DeSantis - Attracting and Developing Skilled Workforce
Haines City EDC Staff
11/14/2022
Duke Energy Awards Haines City, Economic Development Council
Haines City EDC Staff
11/11/2022
State Leaders Recognize September as Workforce Development Month in Florida
Authored by CareerSource
9/2/2022
Cyndi Jantomaso Haines City EDC honored to be Florida’s Advocate with GoRail.
Posted by Haines City EDC
5/31/2022
The City of Haines City for February/March 2022
Posted by Haines City EDC
2/15/2022
2022 Job Fair & Career Expo
Authored by CareerSource
2/10/2022
Polk County Public Schools Welcomes Community Liaisons
Posted by Haines City EDC
2/9/2022
Haines City Planning to Expand Industrial Area
Posted by Haines City EDC
1/24/2022
CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA CELEBRATES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2021
Authored by CareerSource
1/3/2022
AdventHealth, Bond Clinic collaborate to meet growing health care demand
Posted by Haines City EDC
10/12/2021
Florida Chamber of Commerce Survey
Posted by Haines City EDC
10/8/2021
Carvana Seeks to Hire 150 Employees for Haines City
Posted by Haines City EDC
10/7/2021
Cyndi Jantomaso Wins Larry Miller Award
Posted by Haines City EDC
10/4/2021
Commissioner Bill Braswell Discusses Industry
Posted by Haines City EDC
10/2/2021
Thank you to all of our Board Retreat Sponsors
Posted by Haines City EDC
9/30/2021
From Governor DeSantis: Executive Order 21-101
Posted by Haines City EDC
5/4/2021
Trez Capital Finances Land Acquisition and First Phase of Development of Central Florida Community
Posted by Haines City EDC
4/26/2021
Polk State Corporate College: Manufacturing Industry Certifications Coming in May
Posted by Haines City EDC
4/25/2021
Polk State College to host COVID-19 vaccination event April 30
Posted by Haines City EDC
4/25/2021
Help is Here - Resources for Business and Career Seekers
Posted by Haines City EDC
4/20/2021
Polk TPO seeking members for Transportation Priorities Subcommittee
Posted by Haines City EDC
4/20/2021
GoRail: Annual Report 2020 in Review
Posted by Haines City EDC
3/15/2021
Polk State enrollment for Summer 2021 Semester starts March 29
Posted by Haines City EDC
3/15/2021
The Ledger: SafeWise.com: Haines City is one of the safest towns in FL
Posted by Haines City EDC
3/15/2021
PCU warns of water treatment scam call
Posted by Haines City EDC
2/18/2021