Title: Why utilities should consider doing their own coal-car maintenance
Abstract: Utility ownership of a fleet of railroad cars has become common during the past decade, in anticipation of reduced freight rates, along with a greater degree of control over the transportation that was not possible when leasing. This article focuses on the maintenance of utility-run coal-car railroads and how it has become more economical for utilities to set up their own repair shops rather than looking to the railroad or another third party to perform the maintenance. The cost of labor and equipment may be the most important criterion in a utility's decision to seek alternatives to railroad maintenance programs, but it is not the only one. Others discussed are increased control over the repair operation and a convenient location, both of which contribute to keeping the repair cost manageable. The success of utility-run repair shops requires experienced personnel, a balanced workload and accurate cost estimates.
Publication Year: 1984
Publication Date: 1984-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
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