@CJPat True, there has been a bit of a decline in the need for rail service in modern times. Hence why the rail lines are more centralized now than they were under peak era PRR and CNJ times down here. In the case of distribution, it is hard for rail to compete in that sector, but not impossible. Most railroads do this by providing intermodal and TOFC trains to areas where distribution centers are a long way away from a port or a factory. As for manufacturing, there just isn't much of that in NJ nowadays. At least in Central NJ
Sellers and Vendors appear to make up the majority of customers along Central NJ rail lines. Of course, small places that only get their supplies as needed probably aren't that well suited for rail service. In Central NJ, larger business like Builders General, Bel-Ray, Reed-Perine, Prestone, and OEG Building Supply are better suited for rail service. Hence why Conrail serves them.
The problem is that some of these businesses that want rail service aren't able to because of business practices by North Jersey management, and Transit restrictions. Of course, this isn't why all prior customers have left. Some have closed down, others moved away, and some less fortunate ones like Gold Lumber closed due to unfortunate circumstances. Others left for other reasons. The Oceangro loader was shut down because of a government rule stating Oceangro could only be sold and distributed in Ocean County. (?!) Clayton Sand originally stopped their rail service because of the costs of track maintenance I believe. They kept derailing in one spot and one particular wreck was one too many apparently.
Fort Dix stopped shipping their bomb waste simply because they ran out of waste to ship.
Thing is, there are people in Central NJ that want rail service but aren't able to because of the aforementioned problems.
United Natural Fruits in Howell wants cars, but Transit doesn't allow reefer cars.
EH Allen Trucking in Sayreville wants cars loaded with poles, but Conrail won't bring the cars to him directly. The cars are instead brought to Freehold Yard and the poles are loaded onto a truck and shipped back to Sayreville.
Sad part is Conrail was actually willing to treat its customers with dignity and respect until 2003. They even came down and switched customers as needed on weekdays. Nowadays, only certain customers are afforded such luxuries. Mainly the larger ones.
Sellers and Vendors appear to make up the majority of customers along Central NJ rail lines. Of course, small places that only get their supplies as needed probably aren't that well suited for rail service. In Central NJ, larger business like Builders General, Bel-Ray, Reed-Perine, Prestone, and OEG Building Supply are better suited for rail service. Hence why Conrail serves them.
The problem is that some of these businesses that want rail service aren't able to because of business practices by North Jersey management, and Transit restrictions. Of course, this isn't why all prior customers have left. Some have closed down, others moved away, and some less fortunate ones like Gold Lumber closed due to unfortunate circumstances. Others left for other reasons. The Oceangro loader was shut down because of a government rule stating Oceangro could only be sold and distributed in Ocean County. (?!) Clayton Sand originally stopped their rail service because of the costs of track maintenance I believe. They kept derailing in one spot and one particular wreck was one too many apparently.
Fort Dix stopped shipping their bomb waste simply because they ran out of waste to ship.
Thing is, there are people in Central NJ that want rail service but aren't able to because of the aforementioned problems.
United Natural Fruits in Howell wants cars, but Transit doesn't allow reefer cars.
EH Allen Trucking in Sayreville wants cars loaded with poles, but Conrail won't bring the cars to him directly. The cars are instead brought to Freehold Yard and the poles are loaded onto a truck and shipped back to Sayreville.
Sad part is Conrail was actually willing to treat its customers with dignity and respect until 2003. They even came down and switched customers as needed on weekdays. Nowadays, only certain customers are afforded such luxuries. Mainly the larger ones.
