Rail carriers and truck lines battle

There are a lot of weaknesses in the rail systems as recent midwest floods showed . Consider the logistics at the railyards . A lot of traffic is thrown onto local roads . New yards are needed but many communities will oppose them . Another transportation mode being looked at is barge traffic up the coasts and on major rivers like the Ohio and Mississippi . There is a much greater fuel savings using barges .

 

While the trucking and rail industry competes for business, we in the barging business quietly swoop in and take it away. 1 barge equals 85 trucks and 1 towboat can push (depending on the river) anywhere between 15 and 50 barges. The Ohio River the limit is 15 barges, the Lower Mississippi from Memphis south is 40 barges and over. 3/4 of the countrys population is accessible by river. From Pittsburgh to New Orleans, over to Jacksonville Florida, back to Mexico, and all the way up to Chicago, and Canada, barging can get there. Granted barging will never replace trucking, but it definitely competes hard with the rail industry, and some trucking companies. Like barging is ideal for moving fuel around, as well as coal. And some barge lines are getting in on the trucking businesses action by moving containers. Crews on barges can stay out longer and you are moving more freight for way less cost.

 

OK,Stupid question. Since I am pretty sure I will looking for gain full employment in the near future as I am pretty sure I am done with trucking..How dose one go about finding a job in your industry??
I grew up near Genoa, WI , So I have seen plenty of barge traffic, Just never thought to inquire anywhere...

PM me if you don't want to post info in the open forum...Thank You..

 

My neighbor brought up some interesting questions the other day.

MRL of MONTANA is locally owned. When there is a spill and clean up is required the same business owner of MRL uses his Construction Company to do clean up.
There is a lot of train mis-haps.
I realize poop happens, but he did bring up a question , that seems to be ignored by locals.
Insurance I suppose comes into the picture.
How much money is alloted for these spills and spent on the accidents ?
How much money is pocketed or spent on something else?
I find this interesting and thought I would bring it up, may be it should be discussed or NOT?
What do you think ?