Comparative Evaluation of Rail and Truck Fuel Efficiency on Competitive Corridors

Written my ICF International, Prepared for the USDOT - Federal Railroad Administration

Taken from Abstract: "This study provides a comparative evaluation of rail and truck fuel
efficiency on corridors and services in which both modes compete. For the purposes of
this study, competitive movements are defined as those of the same commodity having the
same (or proximate) origin and destination (O-D) pairs. This study also provides an
analysis of past and future trends of rail and truck fuel efficiency."

Step 2 - Chapter 1

Summary of findings conclude that Rail is more fuel efficient than Trucks, not due to
fuel consumption alone, but due to that rail can hold heavier equipment than trucks,
fuel efficiency ranges (ton-miles/gallon) and predominant use of space saving equipment.

Step 4 -  Entire Document

The entire document included data to compare costs and impacts of Rail and truck freight
shipment and its effect on the transportation system.