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Understanding rail logistics doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're learning what demurrage is or trying to decode fuel surcharges, we've created a library of resources to guide you through the basics.
Welcome to your go-to-guide on the fundamentals of rail logistics, written by the rail shipping experts at RSI Logistics.
If you're just getting started - or trying to make sense of your rail freight - this page is for you. Our experts break down key rail logistics topics in plain language, so you can:
Get Started
For over 40 years we've helped rail shippers understand and optimize their rail logistics. Our rail experts regularly author content to help audiences with their understanding, and we've built up a diverse library of articles.
Start with one of these foundational reads:
Read all about how to understand, manage, and reduce demurrage costs
How does truck and other modes of freight shipping stack up against rail?
Learn all about how to utilize rail as part of your supply chain.
In this article we explore the current trends, historical influences, and future outlooks shaping rail pricing.
Read and download our expert authored eBook that covers the building blocks of rail logistics. Whether you're a new supply chain manager or a company exploring rail for the first time, we wrote this for you.
Use our free tools to estimate rail costs, demurrage savings, and how much you could save by utilizing modern logistics services and rail management systems.
We began as a rail logistics company who manually managed our clients' rail shipping. When we recognized the need for an automated solution, we built Rail Command, our Rail Transportation Management System (Rail TMS).
Today we are the largest users of our own product and combine deep industry experience with powerful software and services. We are here to help you improve your rail transportation.
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Browse our full library of resources for guides, insights, and tips & tricks. Or try out our calculators to get a feel for real rail savings.
-1.png?width=1200&height=800&name=Untitled%20design%20(11)-1.png "The eBook optimizing your rail fleet management displayed on a tablet.")
Still Figuring Things Out?
Whether you're evaluating rail shipping or just getting your footing, our rail shipping experts are happy to help. And when you're ready to move forward, we'll be right there with you.
Compared to other modes of freight transportation, rail shipping is the most cost effective over longer distances. It is also the most environmentally friendly. On average, one railcar can handle 3 - 4 truck loads worth of goods and is 3 - 4 times more fuel-efficient.
There are several details to consider before shipping by rail. You'll want to know your commodity type, origin and destination, and volume. This will help you determine the railcars you will need, as well as which carrier you'll need to set up your supply chain with.
If you need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our rail shipping experts.
A variety of factors affect rail pricing, including fuel surcharge (a tool for railroads to recover the cost of fuel), the cost of a railcar (whether owned by you or leased), the mileage traveled, and more. Revenue-to-Variable-Cost ratio is the rail carrier's revenue divided by the operating cost for a lane. Depending on this ratio, they will strive to set individual rates for different lanes and commodities.
Rail shipping demurrage is a charge that compensates the rail carriers when railcars are held in the carriers' serving yard waiting to be ordered in for placement.
Each carrier's website has a function for tracking and visibility of your railcar(s), utilizing a device called a Car Location Message (CLM). Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are beginning to begin adoption in the industry as well.
However, Rail TMS solutions like our platform Rail Command make this manual-heavy effort easier by collecting all your location feeds into one comprehensive system.
