Investigate freight train routes and other freight trains information

There are different types of railroads throughout the US, including Class I and regional railroads. Railroad freight companies may use one type or a variety depending on the type of shipping they offer.

I recommend: National Atlas of the United States offers profiles and maps of railroads. It also offers informative information on the benefits of using cargo trains. RailServe.com provides a directory of links to railroads in the US and Canada.

Determine your packaging needs for freight train shipping

When you use cargo trains to transport your goods, you need to plan how your goods will get from the train station to the final destination. Your packaging needs depend on the type of product you send. Some businesses may require temperature-controlled containers, while others may need to use a container that the shipping company can transfer from the train to a truck without repacking the contents.

I recommend: Transportation Services offers a network of shipping venues to help you get your product to its final destination. It offers a varity of shipping containers to fit your needs. CSX offers several online tools to help you with your shipping needs. Get schedules, junctions and other freight trains information at its site.

Find rail freight rates before you commit to ship

Rail freight costs often depend on the traffic route, the weight of your cargo and whether the train is near full capacity. To find the best rate, you might want to consider a freight broker.

I recommend: Freightcenter.com allows you to get free quotes for the five cheapest shipping options. Take a tour of the site before you become a member. Commonwealth offers a line of Waybill tools to help you determine railroad freight rates along given traffic lines.