The little engine that will

Intermodal transportation operations are focusing on improving service and have efforts underway to shorten transit times and offer time-definite deliveries. Railroads have increased capacity through adding extra tracks and opening new terminals. On-dock transportation is being improved through new roads and rail lines to get containers from ships to trains faster. Conrail, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and other railroads have incentive programs to prompt faster return of containers and better use of equipment. The Intermodal Assn of America is developing more standards for the industry.
Intermodal traffic may have been down last year, but the industry is by no means out. A flat economy and an all-out rate war among trucking companies caused U.S. rail [...]