Project: Heavy Axle Load Analysis for Twin Cities & Western Railroad Client: CNA E&S - Railroad Department
CNA E&S insures a number of regional and short-line railroads. Twin Cities & Western carries primarily grain from southwestern Minnesota to river and rail connections in the Twin Cities. Class I railroads have been moving to increased weights for grain cars; this presents difficulties for smaller railroads, whose tracks may not be able to accommodate the heavier loads.
Zeta-Tech was asked by CNA to answer two questions:
Zeta-Tech conducted an inspection of the track, and calculated the expected increase in track maintenance costs if heavier cars were to be moved. As important, Zeta-Tech determined that this could be done safely.
In a second analysis, Zeta-Tech calculated expected per-car movement costs with both current and increased car weights, including crew, fuel, motive power, and track maintenance. It was determined that, if loaded car weights were increased from 263,000 lbs. To 286,000 lbs., the net result would be a 6% reduction in direct operating cost per ton, a finding which enabled TC&W to more effectively market their service.