In order to effectively negotiate lower rail rates, it is important to craft a compelling business case, understand railroad pricing strategies, and profile each railroad's specific attributes. Included in this article is a detailed shipper preparation checklist.
Read moreShippers should explore alternative transportation options for cost savings. This includes examining various rail options, considering Rule 11 rates and routes, assessing alternative sourcing, and developing transload programs for captive lanes.
Read moreExplore the crucial role of rail rate analysis in helping shippers optimize logistics strategies, stay competitive, and thrive in a constantly evolving marketplace with ever-increasing rail prices.
Read moreNew and advanced technologies such as sensors, analytics, and artificial intelligence can enhance rail transportation safety. Regulators and other government agencies can play a crucial role in supporting the development of new safety technologies through incentives, subsidies, and research support.
Read moreAn effective rail rate and contract management system is crucial for shippers to stay competitive. Pricing systems are prevalent for other modes of transportation, such as truck or ocean shipping. But for rail shippers, pricing has historically been based on spreadsheet tools. Complete rail rate visibility paired with advanced pricing tools is now available with Tratics software.
Read moreCanadian Pacific Railway (CPRS) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) will join to create the first railroad that provides a single-line connection between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Click here to read a summary of the merger history written by our CEO, Nderim Rudi.
Read moreRail transportation offers additional benefits over trucking, including the ability to use railcars as mobile warehouses for storage in transit, efficient movement of large volumes of goods, reduced damage to the interstate highway system, and alleviation of truck driver shortage issues.
Read moreRail provides the capacity for large-scale shipping. It is also generally more cost-effective than the truck option. Rail is more environmentally friendly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And it is safer than trucking by many measures.
Read moreCustomer size and profitability, volume commitments, captive vs competitive business, and tariff rates are some of the factors that play an important role in rate negotiations.
Read moreTratics CEO, Nderim Rudi, tells the story of how Tratics software was born.
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