Railroads play large role in area transport picture
It is disappointing that the article in the Nov. 26 News & Record, “Area ranks 33rd in transport industries,” fails to mention railroads that made Greensboro the Gate City.
When it got that moniker, railroads were perhaps about the “only game in town,” but a significant rail infrastructure remains and it’s regrettable that more advantage isn’t taken and its potential realized.
Much emphasis was on the energy-inefficient, road-clogging trucking industry. This area is about to become the nation’s “truck terminal capital.” Thus, it is hard to realize how the area ranks 33rd.
Also, much praise is placed on the more energy-inefficient, noisy, polluting air-cargo transport. Wait until the part-time FedEx employees come on line and see what the annual wage becomes.
Railroads offer many opportunities for cargo handling: for example, long-distance transport of mail in piggyback cars off-loaded from rail cars at the Pomona yard and hauled to the post office or the bulk mail center.
Railroads also offer advantages for passengers such as the proposed service between Burlington and Clemmons. In many places, commuter service is provided on freight railroad lines.
Harry P. Clapp
Greensboro
Comments (2)
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a friend in the trucking business told me there is a quiet resurgence going on - rails offer 1/4 the cost of hauling and they are starting to work in partnership with the trucking industry
Posted on December 5, 2008 3:51 AM
Railroads are more efficient but this guy seems to have an ax to grind with trucking and aviation, including his dig on FedEx. There is a need for all three. Some of my customers need their shipments overnight and rail doesn't cut it.
Posted on December 5, 2008 8:05 AM