 Snow and Ice Continue to
Slow Rail Shipments |
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It has been a tough winter for train movement in the upper Midwest. Outbound rail shipments of grain, as well as inbound shipments of crop nutrients, have been slowed in recent weeks. “When there is heavy snow, and more importantly, blowing snow, railroads can be grounded just like other modes of transportation, which has been the case several times this winter,” says Dan Mack, vice president, transportation and business development, CHS Grain Marketing. He says mounting snow plows on locomotives can help them blast through snow drifts.
“Low temperatures also cause problems because a train’s air brakes require air intake, which is inhibited in severe cold,” he says. In those conditions, it takes longer to build up necessary air pressure, and sometimes requires reduced train lengths.
Even though every winter brings snow, Mack says this winter has been particularly troublesome because of snow, ice and cold much further south than normal. At local cooperatives, employees spend more time removing ice and snow from rail cars before loading or unloading. “Winter brings its own set of safety issues,” he notes. “Along with cold temperatures and exposure concerns, workers need to be aware of ice and snow hazards.”
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