Modern logistics design with patent pending status in North America and Australia.
Shifting Freight from Road to Rail
Next Generation Rail Operation
Rail transportation has always been a cost-effective solution, but often lacked the flexibility of trucking—until now. KACI is transforming rail logistics with an innovative approach that redefines rail for smaller, more frequent shipments, making rail transportation more accessible and efficient than ever.
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Shifting from Road to Rail is Needed
Moving long-haul freight from road to rail makes sense. Here's why:
Rail is Better for Long-Haul Freight
More Efficient: Rail can carry much larger loads, safely and efficiently.
Lower Costs: Rail is up to ten times cheaper to build and maintain than highways.
Saves Fuel and Cuts Emissions: Rail is four times more fuel-efficient, reducing fuel costs and emissions.
Reduces Traffic: Less freight on roads means less congestion and highway wear-and-tear.
Better for the Environment: Lower emissions mean a cleaner environment and reduced impact on climate change.
Streamlines the Supply Chain: Rail makes the most of current assets and technology, optimizing the entire supply chain for smoother operations and increased efficiency.
Trucking Wins Too
Focus on What It Does Best: Trucking can concentrate on high-value services like urgent deliveries and local pickup and drop-off.
Higher Profit Margins: By focusing on expedited and local services, trucking companies can boost profits.
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Why the Shift to Rail Isn't Happening
Despite the clear benefits, the shift to rail isn’t happening. Here’s why:
Rail Infrastructure Challenges
Built for Bulk Freight: Rail infrastructure was originally designed for large, bulk shipments and has not evolved to handle smaller, just-in-time loads.
Inflexible and Outdated Systems: Today’s rail services are rigid and unable to adapt to modern shipping demands, making them impractical for frequent, smaller shipments.
Unreliable Service: Rail lacks the flexibility and reliability that shippers need, resulting in inconsistent delivery schedules.
Why Shippers Still Choose Trucking for Long Haul Freight
Speed and Adaptability: Shippers need fast and adaptable solutions, which current rail services cannot provide.
Reliability Over Cost: Despite higher costs, businesses prefer trucking because they can rely on it to deliver customized service and meet their unique requirements.
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The Path to a Modern Rail Solution
An innovative solution is crucial for rail to meet the demands of today's shippers. Here's how rail can evolve:
Key Innovations for Rail Growth
Adaptable to Smaller Shipments: Rail must evolve to handle smaller, just-in-time loads, serving more shipping needs.
Faster Transfers and More Frequent Schedules: Increasing schedule frequency and reducing transfer times will make rail more practical.
Flexible Service: By adopting a more adaptable model, rail can match trucking's flexibility while leveraging cost advantages.
Unlocking Rail's Potential
Competing with Trucking: Rail can compete by providing agility for smaller shipments, offering comparable service levels at lower costs.
Next-Generation Cargo Handling: Integrating next-generation cargo handling with rail can unlock its potential, shifting long-haul freight from congested highways to efficient rail networks.
Value for Logistics: This transformation will lead to cost savings, reduced congestion, and a more sustainable future, meeting the needs of modern shippers.