3.2.2.2 Trains
Completion requirements
In Canada, railways are used for about one quarter of all land transported products.
In the past, rail was the most common method of transportation. Today there is more competition from other transportation modes (particularly trucking companies). Rail is more expensive than other means of transport because the high costs of maintaining rail track and equipment are included in the customer's cost for shipping a product. Then, customers require additional transport from railway sites to their desired locations.
Despite this, rail remains a strong transportation choice for many bulk commodities such as chemical, agricultural, and forestry products. Railways can transport bulky and heavy products, including containers, quite easily and efficiently.
In the past, rail was the most common method of transportation. Today there is more competition from other transportation modes (particularly trucking companies). Rail is more expensive than other means of transport because the high costs of maintaining rail track and equipment are included in the customer's cost for shipping a product. Then, customers require additional transport from railway sites to their desired locations.
Despite this, rail remains a strong transportation choice for many bulk commodities such as chemical, agricultural, and forestry products. Railways can transport bulky and heavy products, including containers, quite easily and efficiently.