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Railroads Expect to Meet Demand by Staff Capital Press, September 23, 2010

Railroad industry representatives last week told the federal Surface Transportation Board they expect to meet increased demand for rail cars during the fall harvest.

The board's National Grain Car Council met Sept. 16 in Omaha, Neb., to discuss rail carrier preparedness to handle the fall grain harvest.

Representatives of Union Pacific Railroad and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway said they expect to have adequate resources to handle increased demand, a board staffer said. The Columbia and Snake river lock system will be closed for repairs much of the winter, forcing wheat off barges and onto railroads and trucks.

They said they expect increased business over last year, but with enough assets on hand and in reserve, they should be able to provide adequate service.

Several grain shippers expressed concern over the railroads' ability to meet their needs. The railroads said they are working with them individually to address the concerns.