One of the reasons often touted for not using rail is the slower speed of rail ( in many countries freight service). We were discussing this in NZ , in relation to the Auckland to Whangarei rail service, around 200 k.m. Road is a shorter route , probably takes a truck for 2.5 to 3 hours. Rail service is around 6 hours. Virtually all freight goes by road , except bulk produce , most destined for export from Auckland. When discussing using rail , most cited the slowness as a reason not to use it . Someone answered , as most is overnight delivery , what does it matter?
I thought that was a good point. Most freight is probably picked up , and delivered to the terminal by 7pm or so. The receiving terminal probably doesn't start sorting and unloading freight till 5 a.m or so, that leaves 10 hours or so for transit. I imagine there are many instances around the world where the same circumstances arise , and the same reason for not using rail are used.
Obviously , there are other factors, the cost of transferring goods from road to rail been a major one. Rail operations tend to be 24 hour anyway , so I don't imagine the need to deliver in the middle of the night been too much of a problem. Though I guess a truck driver does have an advantage here, he can basically park up at the depot and leave , whereas rail generally has procedures needing more than 1 person to go through .
Anyone know of operations where this is happening? I guess 30 -40 years ago it was the norm , what has changed?
I thought that was a good point. Most freight is probably picked up , and delivered to the terminal by 7pm or so. The receiving terminal probably doesn't start sorting and unloading freight till 5 a.m or so, that leaves 10 hours or so for transit. I imagine there are many instances around the world where the same circumstances arise , and the same reason for not using rail are used.
Obviously , there are other factors, the cost of transferring goods from road to rail been a major one. Rail operations tend to be 24 hour anyway , so I don't imagine the need to deliver in the middle of the night been too much of a problem. Though I guess a truck driver does have an advantage here, he can basically park up at the depot and leave , whereas rail generally has procedures needing more than 1 person to go through .
Anyone know of operations where this is happening? I guess 30 -40 years ago it was the norm , what has changed?
Moderator worldwide railfan , Rail travel & trip reports
The only train trips I regret are the ones I didn't take.
The only train trips I regret are the ones I didn't take.