Question about Freight trains

[bluescribbler]

For the past year I have been staying with Susan. Her condo is next to a train track and freight trains roll by twice a day, one heading North and later one heading South. I enjoy watching them go by and counting the cars. The longest train I've seen go by was pulling 50 cars, the shortest pulled 13. I got to wondering whether the length of freight trains was some sort of economic indicator. It seems to me that it could be, because longer trains pulling more freight would show higher economic activity regardless of the contents of the cars. I would appreciate any of your thoughts.

[elleng]

1. Freight coverage IS an economic indicator,

but depends on the markets and commodities; length of trains not necessarily indicative.

Although there aren't many long trains navigating freight railroads' systems these days — 95 percent are shorter than 10,000 feet, according to the Association of American Railroads — Class Is have been lengthening trains for quite a while. “Operating longer trains on the nation's rail network is not a new phenomenon.

Rail Insider-Class I railroads continue the longer-train trend ...https://www.progressiverailroading.com › article › Class...

https://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_industry_trends/article/Class-I-railroads-continue-the-longer-train-trend--55035#:~:text=Although%20there%20aren't%20many,is%20not%20a%20new%20phenomenon.

[bluescribbler]

3. Thanks for the reply.

Your answer makes sense. Some of the cars heading North regularly appear to me to be carrying rubbish. Some of the cars are empty on the Northbound run are empty, but are loaded with plywood or lumber when heading South.

[elleng]

4. You're welcome; I used to regulate them!

I recall tales of rubbish looking for 'homes' south of NY.

[dixiegrrrrl]

5. They were looking at our county.

Some company up in Yankee land 😁 wanted to buy land for a dump but didn't want to be
regulated about what kind of material would be approved, and was rather vague about environmental protection.
It was gonna be located close to the railroad tracks so garbage could be shipped from the East Coast.

County citizens protested bigly, finally won the day.

[zipplewrath]

2. basically you are correct.

What "line" you are watching is significant, but basically, rail traffic is an indicator of economic indicator of some sort. Of course what cars you are seeing is is important. Coal? Iron ore? Shipping containers? Milk, oil, fuel, and other liquid containers? I don't expect you to keep a detailed list. But it would be interesting what is "more" what is "less" and what is "not at all".

[bluescribbler]

10. I don't know what the trains are carrying, aside from rubbish and lumber.

The trains haul tank cars, boxcars and what appear to me to be bulk carriers, with three funnel shaped features on the underside of the cars.

[elleng]

6. Just posted:U.S. Factory Activity Booms

U.S. Factory Activity Booms

April 1, 2021 at 11:05 am EDT By Taegan Goddard 51 Comments

https://politicalwire.com/2021/04/01/u-s-factory-activity-booms/

"SNIP.....

Associated Press: “U.S. manufacturers expanded in March at the fastest pace in 37 years, a sign of strengthening demand as the pandemic wanes and government emergency aid flows through the economy.”

[multigraincracker]

7. One of the best indicators of

the future of the economy is the BDI, or Baltic Dry Index. Measure ocean shipping. I use to follow it and it is pretty reliable.

[Warpy]

8. I thought that sounded kind of short

Out west, they tend to be quite long, carrying containers of durable goods to the Plains states plus ore and coal. Rail is still the most energy efficient and economical way to ship durable goods long distances. Perishable goods and short hauling are better done by truck, they're often faster and a lot more versatile since they're not restricted to lines of track.

Here's the scoop on the length of freight trains: https://trainconductorhq.com/how-long-is-a-train/

I could swear I was stuck at a crossing for the 295 car monstrosity they cited. It had 4 engines pulling it. Took forever.

[bluescribbler]

9. It is a short route.

The tracks run between Canaan, CT, and Pittsfield, MA. I assume they hook up with other lines at those junctions.
And, yes, I have seen those longer trains. A couple of years ago Susan and I took Amtrak to Kansas City. We often had to wait at a siding while one of those monster trains went racing by. Apparently, freight has priority over passengers because the Freight companies own the track.