Friday, September 11, 2009

CSX claims their trains move a ton 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel

By Christopher M. Williams

CSX claims that just one of their train cars can carry a ton of goods for 436 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Rail is popular, or at least increasing in popularity with higher gas prices. But is this claim true?

Greenwashing, a tactic used by companies to give their product an environmental spin is commonplace, from Wal-Mart's “local” signs in their produce section (it's not) to the paper and lumber industries claim that with every product purchased, two trees will be planted (many of those claims often prove false).

So,CSX, a national freight train company with headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. has bought air time to better its image and drum up business. The commercials have it all , mimicking 'green' auto commercials, even ambient electronic music plays in the background. CSX claims to be the "How tomorrow moves." 436 miles to the gallon sounds good, and since CSX owns many of its rail lines, could this great mileage be opened up to commuters in some way?

My car burns a gallon to go across town, and most, if not all, semi-trucks burn a gallon an hour just idling. Yet, as snappy as the new commercials sound, there must be more involved: just like when the car dealership tells me a new model will get “up to” [insert mileage here]. I find it hard to believe that a company would give us the gas mileage, or in this case, ton miles, of a train carrying its maximum load. CSX's claims can get pretty complicated, pretty fast.



The Association of American Railroads, a group that represents freight railroads working to make the industry safe, efficient and productive, found in 2007 that one gallon of fuel could move a ton of freight 436 miles. This is double the mileage for trains from 1980. CSX's 2007 annual report also showed similar numbers. However, those numbers only account for their revenue freight cars, not, for example, for the locomotive, the caboose, or other non-revenue cars (4), which could significantly change the mileage output. It could as much cut in half the commercials claim of 436 ton miles per gallon .

Though the CSX commercials, in their attempt to simplify the issue, seem true at face-value, with deeper digging, their claims don't hold up and appear to be just another example of a little greenwashing. However, given that the average miles per gallon for a tractor-trailer truck is 4-8 with a load, rail would most likely remain overwhelmingly more efficient.

38 comments:

  1. You actually make it seem so easy along with your presentation
    but I to find this topic to be really something that I feel
    I'd by no means understand. It seems too complex and extremely wide for me. I am taking a look ahead for your subsequent post, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

    Here is my page discordant

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout
    out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest
    any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics?
    Appreciate it!

    Here is my weblog ... http://tncommunity.info/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi would you mind letting me know which web host you're working with? I've loaded your blog in
    3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads
    a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting
    provider at a honest price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!


    Feel free to surf to my web page: how much should i weigh for my age and height

    ReplyDelete
  4. My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I should
    check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to finding out about your web page yet again.


    Also visit my web page ... http://danonjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/buy-danon-jewellery-to-avoid-jewellery.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like to all a touch of shade when taking care of Christmas card "envelopes".

    Is it tough to add a little "clip art" sweet walking cane
    or Christmas Bells or Minature Christmas tree when utilizing tags?

    Think I will certainly start making use of tags this year.

    Thanks!
    Ellen.

    Look at my weblog the3rdgoal.org

    ReplyDelete
  6. Gear Ring with Rubber O-Ring- lovelovelove! So Steampunk!


    Also visit my web blog :: ,cheap earrings with free shipping

    ReplyDelete
  7. What i don't realize is in truth how you are now not really a lot more well-appreciated than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You know thus significantly relating to this matter, made me individually consider it from a lot of numerous angles. Its like women and men are not involved unless it's something to accomplish with Girl gaga!

    Your personal stuffs nice. All the time care for it up!


    Also visit my weblog: best uk web hosting

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks mate, operated like an appeal. This has actually been doing my
    head in for days !!

    my homepage xerox phaser 8560 maintenance kit

    ReplyDelete
  9. What's up Dear, are you genuinely visiting this site regularly, if so after that you will without doubt obtain pleasant knowledge.

    Here is my site: Bellagenix skin care reviews

    ReplyDelete
  10. Everything is very open with a clear description of the challenges.
    It was really informative. Your website is very
    useful. Many thanks for sharing!

    my web site: Slim Berry Diet

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on most effective anti aging cream.
    Regards

    Here is my webpage :: Rvtl Anti Aging Eye Cream

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this website,
    and your views are fastidious for new viewers.

    Also visit my webpage Max Thermo Burn And Beta Force Muscle

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi friends, nice paragraph and fastidious arguments commented at this place, I am in fact enjoying by
    these.

    My website :: Max Robust Xtreme And Orviax

    ReplyDelete
  14. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following.

    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly
    the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.



    Feel free to visit my web site; best supplements for muscle gain

    ReplyDelete
  15. Appreciate the recommendаtion. Let me try it out.

    Alѕo visit my homeрage ... Blu Cigs Review

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello! Possible have sworn I have been to that blog before but after going through some of the post I realized it's new at all to me. Nonetheless, I'm definitely glad I discovered it and
    We will be bookmarking and checking back often!

    Here is my blog post: ,jewellery Deals online

    ReplyDelete
  17. Superman would win hulk can not even begin
    to preserve up with Superman his super speed would give him the win.


    Feel free to surf to my web-site; superman stamina video free

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello there, I found your web site by way of Google whilst looking for a similar
    matter, your website got here up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it
    in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, simply become aware of your blog via Google, and located that it
    is truly informative. I am going to watch out for
    brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future.

    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    my web site ... office furniture los angeles pico

    ReplyDelete
  19. You only Noticed it two months in the past.

    Here is my site: 60 minute Stamina download

    ReplyDelete
  20. Excellent, what a weblog it is! This weblog provides helpful facts to us,
    keep it up.

    Here is my web blog Buy Auravie

    ReplyDelete
  21. Heels? What did THAT sense that? I donated each of mine, save that two of spikey-toed witchy boots
    and them's just one inch high.

    my web page; silver jewellery

    ReplyDelete
  22. Really appreciate you sharing this post.Many thanks.

    Much obliged.

    Take a look at my web blog ,buy cheap earrings online

    ReplyDelete
  23. Fantastic іtеmѕ from you, man.
    ӏ've remember your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent. I really like what you've
    received rіght hеrе, cегtаinly lіke whаt you arе ѕtating anԁ the way in which by which you аre ѕaying іt.
    Үou make іt еntertaining and you still care
    foг to ѕtaу it smart. I can't wait to learn much more from you. That is actually a great web site.

    Look into my website applicazione facebook

    ReplyDelete
  24. Brandon Im usually hectic so I workout at
    home alot...I am able to see me free weight but Im trying to gain muscle.
    .in addition I dont use supplements. Do you've got to possess these if you want to obtain muscle mass?

    My homepage ... six pack shortcuts scam

    ReplyDelete
  25. i m seeking girls in uae for discreet partnership

    My page ... female mind mastery free

    ReplyDelete
  26. These conveniences (we counted 5) must make you consider getting multi-function printers.

    There are great deals of printer brand names online that offer advanced attributes.
    So it's useful if you seek for these multifunction printers on amazon, read testimonials and locate an affordable multifunction printer for on your own.
    +1.

    Here is my page www.discoverthetrinity.org

    ReplyDelete
  27. We're excited about your diamond and sapphire rings! Also the stackables. Wow... Where do we find all of you? Would like to come carry out some shopping! :D Now for a few more "browsing" through your web site.... excited jiggle!

    Feel free to visit my site :: projects.eurge.net

    ReplyDelete
  28. the top engagement ring will be the one that is diamond
    or ruby studded. it's an eye candy for a girl;"~

    Also visit my web page: designer silver jewellery :: sns.cam111.com ::

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think the admin of this web page is genuinely working hard in support of his site,
    as here every material is quality based stuff.

    My site xerox 8560 ink

    ReplyDelete
  30. Found a loose diamond en route home from work (yay NYC).
    I give it a 90% chance that it's a CZ but I'll contain it tested and report on their behavior tomorrow.


    my page :: ,cheap costume Earring Jewelry *dubstepdirt.com*

    ReplyDelete
  31. I attempted 800 mg every day for four weeks and i have truly gained excess weight.
    I am not overweight but desired to determine
    if it performs. Now I'm over bodyweight in my stomach which I've
    never ever been. It did one thing to my intestines I believe.
    They did give me energy for sure but i used to be fatigued
    every night so I am not confident about this from private expertise I do not trust it.
    I've a brand new bottle that's inside the trash!


    Here is my weblog - weight loss body wraps San Antonio

    ReplyDelete
  32. You madе some really gоod ρоints there.
    Ӏ looked on thе nеt for morе info about thе іѕѕue аnԁ
    found most individuals will go аlοng with yоur
    viewѕ οn this wеb sіte.

    Also visit my blοg - rhinoplasty surgery

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ӏt's hard to find well-informed people on this subject, but you sound like you know what you're talking аbοut!
    Thankѕ

    my blog post: herbal highs .com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I savour, leаd to I founԁ just what I
    used to be taking a look for. You've ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

    my blog :: herbal incense Australia ban

    ReplyDelete
  35. Keep this going please, great job!

    Also visit my web-site xerox 8560n

    ReplyDelete
  36. DROOLING.... i've never ever bought wine in my existence, gotta locate some right after work. any recommendations?

    my blog :: precision nutrition lean eating

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have a grinding sound that is keeping me
    from printing everything from the Cyan toner.
    Could this be the same situation?

    Here is my homepage ... xerox phaser 8560 ink

    ReplyDelete
  38. I take Organic tea focus w/water about 12oz, just prior to
    soccer training. it performs excellent for me gives me a whole lot of power.
    can pofessional soccer participant utilize it? is there
    any material in it I need to be worried about?


    Here is my blog post: precision nutrition reviews

    ReplyDelete