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The problem in Europe for freight trains is that Europe generally doesn't have as long routes as the US and on long routes in Europe you cross different countri
by johannes1234321 4y ago
The problem in Europe for freight trains is that Europe generally doesn't have as long routes as the US and on long routes in Europe you cross different countries, which have incompatible voltages and power systems, different signaling systems, etc. which makes it complicated to run trains across. Not to mention countries outside the customs union, where extra processing is needed.
On short distances a railway is simply less efficient than trucks.
Also companies have optimised their storage and logistic chain to expect for example one truck each day instead of a train each week and thus are using the road as storage facility.
- MichaelCollins 4y agoFreight is also less attractive when you can't double-stack the containers because electric wires and tunnels are too low. I understand this to be the case on many European rail lines. In America where freight trains play a larger role in the economy than in Europe, most rail isn't electrified and double-stack freight trains are common.
- johannes1234321 4y agoFor double height trains however go a bit slower, I think. In the denser populated Europe, with tracks shared with passenger service that is an issue as overtaking them takes even more infrastructure and regular stopping and accelerating again. Whereas in US there are large parts where they can simply go their speed for a long distance, which makes it really efficient.