There Is No Shortage of Freight Cars--Railroads Must Make Better Use of What They Have
CED-81-2
Published: Nov 10, 1980. Publicly Released: Nov 10, 1980.
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Highlights
Railroads cannot satisfy the demand for freight cars, because they do not use the existing car fleet efficiently. Enough cars are available, but they are in the right place at the right time.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate Commerce Commission | The Chairman, Interstate Commerce Commission, should work with the Administrator, FRA, and the railroad industry to develop the technology and cooperation needed to implement a compatible management information system for better freight car utilization. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Transportation | The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FRA, to continue to develop and demonstrate improved railroad care management and control methods that could be used in a compatible nationwide system, and to use available assistance programs to encourage railroads to install and use such systems. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Interstate Commerce Commission | The Chairman, ICC, should prescribe specific criteria for issuing emergency car service orders and establish a system to control and evaluate the effects of these orders. The Chairman should also study whether demurrage encourages shippers to release cars faster and whether prompt release results in more efficient car use. |
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
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Topics
Federal agenciesFederal fundsFreight transportationInventory control systemsManagement information systemsProperty and supply managementRailroad industryRailroad transportation operationsSystems evaluationFreight trains