The Role of Short Lines
The Role of Short Lines
Rail is one of the most efficient modes of transportation. But what about those communities that can’t directly access a main line transporter. That’s where short line rail companies like R.J. Corman come to help.
Development -
R. J.Corman Railroad Group
“We are really like an extension of the Class 1 network, allowing rail service to get to customers further away from the Class 1 main line tracks,” said Jake Weir, senior director of industrial development at R.J. Corman. “We exist to serve customers and provide high levels of customer service.”
Companies like R.J. Corman Railroad Company, which operates 19 short line railroads in 11 states and is a subsidiary of R.J. Corman Railroad Group, are exactly what these communities need. Since 1973, R.J. Corman Railroad Group has served communities across the US as a comprehensive service provider for the railroad industry, offering a range of services, including track construction, site selection, rail planning, industrial plant switching operations, short line operations, and more. The family of companies now operates in 23 states, stretching from New York to Arizona, and offers a full range of services for the railroad and related industries.
“Our specialty is rail, and we just want to be part of the team, at the table, so that we can provide good council and guidance on the rail component of any project,” Weir said. “We look at it as a team effort.”
Access to transloading facilities is one of the benefits of short line rail. These transloading facilities are important to industries that may have a hard time justifying the cost of direct rail access or may not be located along a rail line.
“Many of the areas that are served by short lines seem to benefit from these types of facilities. It allows the short lines to offer a logistic solution to multiple customers at a single location, which can have a huge impact in some of these communities,” Weir said. “These tailored supply chain solutions are definitely a focus for short line railroads.”
Another benefit is the flexibility of short line rail compared to larger railroads, such as serving sites multiple times a day. The short line business model also lends itself to customer service, with Weir describing it as “more of a boutique service.” Short line companies are often able to pivot quickly to meet customer needs and have more operational flexibility than many Class 1 railroads.
“Our business model is to serve customers, and serve them well,” Weird said.