Friday, August 30, 2013

Will We See Stories Of Railcar Shortages For North Dakota Grain This Year?

A reader reminded me of this story.

Some years ago there was a flurry of stories about shortages of rail cars for handling North Dakota grain. Farmers and co-ops were concerned that the "near-monopoly" status of BNSF in North Dakota allowed the carrier to manipulate availability of rail cars, especially in the more "remote" areas. 

It would seem the huge crude-by-oil shipping would exacerbate the situation. Obviously hoppers that carry grain don't carry oil but I don't know if these grain hoppers carry other oil-service related supplies. I would think the bigger problem would be adequate number of locomotives and track.

So, I really have no idea. Curious what others think.

Will we see stories of railcar shortages this year for handling North Dakota grain?
  • Yes, more than usual due to the oil boom
  • Yes, but no more than usual
  • No

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