THE RAIL LOGISTICS PROCESS: WHAT TO KNOW AND HOW TO GET THE MOST VALUE

Rail service has a long history of boosting this nation's economic development by transporting freight across North America, but it is not considered a top option in today's quick-moving logistics and supply chain sector.

This blog focuses on raising awareness of rail logistics service solutions by assisting current and potential rail shippers in realizing there might be a better method for them to use rail services so they can benefit from everything this mode has to offer their supply chain and logistics strategy. We'll talk about the ins and outs of rail service, the businesses that cater to the sector, what value-added services are available to shippers, and how to make the most of them.

Rail logistics is the process of shipping goods and materials from one location to another via rail. This type of transportation has been in use for over two centuries, with the earliest passenger railway services having opened in 1825 in England. Since then, rail transportation has come a long way, with modern-day rail networks connecting large cities and small towns across many countries. Here, we explore what goes into the rail logistics process

Planning and Preparing

The first step of the rail logistics process involves planning and preparing for shipment. This includes determining the best route for transporting goods while taking factors such as distance, cost, and time into consideration. Shippers or carriers must also make sure that all required permits are obtained before beginning transport if necessary. Additionally, they must ensure that any hazardous materials are properly labeled and handled according to safety regulations.

Loading and Unloading

Once all preparations have been made, the next step is loading and unloading cargo onto freight trains. The same methods used to unload cargo from ships, trucks, or other forms of transportation can be used to load and unload cargo from trains as well. Cargo must be carefully loaded onto cars so that it's secured during transport; this helps protect it from damage or theft during transit. In some cases, special tools may be needed to secure cargo properly depending on its size or weight.

Tracking & Monitoring

Monitoring is an important part of the rail logistics process as it helps keep track of shipments throughout their journey. With modern tracking systems like GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, shippers can easily locate their cargo at any given time during transit. Real-time data makes it possible to accurately monitor items while they’re being shipped by train which helps minimize delays or other potential problems along the way.

Rail Logistics Service