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Re: (erielack) ore trains

Brad,

Yes, Cleveland-Youhgstown etc was short-haul; approx 66 miles when the 
average length of haul for all US RR's was close to 526 (1974 figure). 
However the rail portion of most iron ore moves was short, both from mine to 
port and port to steel mill. Steelmakers minimized the higher cost rail move 
which is why steel mills were clustered around the Great Lakes and in 
eastern PA. Presumably this traffic was profitable for the EL, but data 
showing revenue and cost calculation for individual moves is hard to come 
by. We can say that the cost per ton-mile was relatively low because the 
traffic moved in trainload lots, and individual cars didn't have to be 
classified. Delivery to the customer or connection was in large cuts or 
trainloads, so the linehaul didn't have to support the "retail" 
infrastructure and operation including classification yards, local freights 
etc. required for merchandise freight.

Paul B

From: Bradley Butcher <llyengalyn_@_hotmail.com>
Subject: (erielack) ore trains

It's a boring night and we need a topic to bring life in here so....



I've read that hauling ore from the docks at Cleveland was big $$$ for Erie 
& EL, but that is a pretty short haul to take a share of the money from 
isn't it? What was it that made this profitable?
 


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