TEETERING ON TOP : RAILROADS' TIE-DEMAND CYCLE IS NEARING A PEAK

Demand for rail ties is nearing its peak, and future demand is dependent on whether Class I's decide to continue current spending rates in the second half of 2003. First, wood-tie suppliers ramped up production to meet the demand spike. Now, in summer of 2003, it's the turn for makers or concrete, steel and composite ties. They're expecting sales to rise as they increase production capacity and develop and refine products marketed as long-term replacements for traditional wood. A major wood tie maker is leaving the business, which could create a backlog, and bad weather has slowed sawmills. Looming lumber shortages stand to help alternative-material tie- makers. They argue that environmental advantages are accompanied by lower maintenance and labor costs over time. The article also describes some of the leading manufacturers.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/4175009
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Page range: pp 34, 36-38, 40
• Corporate Authors:

  Trade Press Publishing Corporation

  2100 West Florist Avenue
  Milwaukee, WI  United States  53209-
• Authors:
  • Claypool, A
• Publication Date: 2003-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 5 p.
• Serial:
  • Progressive Railroading
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Trade Press Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-0817
  • Serial URL: http://www.progressiverailroading.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete ties; Demand; Economic conditions; Pricing; Railroad ties; Steel ties; Wood ties
• Subject Areas: Economics; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00963445
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 2 2003 12:00AM