A History of Transportation Moving Goods and People Principles of TDL c 4 A.

Railroads

A History of TransportationMoving Goods and People

Principles of TDLc 4 A

The earliest systems in the history of rail transport can be traced to wagonways in Greece around 600 BC.

These wagonways consistedof channels that guided thewheels of the cart or wagon.

The first wagonway was the Diolkos wagonway which was used for 650 years.

Other Early Tracked Roads

German “Hunds” – also known as tub rails used in mining in the 1500’s.

Key to Success of Railroads

Railroads reduce friction which allow greater loads to be moved with less energy.

Bulk dense goods can be moved more efficiently and cost effectively.

First True Railways

Pre-1605 James Clifford used a funicular in Shropshire, England to move coal.George Stephenson in Great Britain created the first successful steam locomotive.

Economics of Early Rail

Early railroads in England dropped the cost of shipping by 60 – 70%

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad raised $4,000,000 to fund construction in 12 days in 1827.

Trans-Continental Railroad

Pacific Railroad Act of 1862. Central Pacific and Union Pacific Companies

build a transcontinental railroad to connect the US from east to west.

Built in 7 years. Joined in Promontory, Utah on May 10, 1869.

Effects of theTranscontinental Rail

Opened the east coast markets to the west coast and Asian trade.

$50 million dollars of freight shipped in first 10 years.

Connected the US – people could travel the length of the country in days.

Opened the mid-portion of the US to settlement. Provided better postal service

to the west. Provided resources for

mapping the west.

Golden Age of Railroad1878-1945

1880 – 17,800 freight locomotives and 22,200 passenger locomotives in the US.1883 – Standard time Zones were adopted by the railroad.1916 – US had 230,468.32 miles of track.1917 – Railroads nationalized during World War I

1940’s – World War II brings highest ridership in US History as trains are used to transport soldiers.

Railroads of Today

$60 Billion industry 140,000 rail miles 221,000 jobs (2012) Accounts for 40% of US freight transport

What do Trains Move?

Agricultural products - grain, cooking oil, livestockEnergy products – crude oil, coal, dieselAutomobiles and automobile componentsConstruction materialsChemicalsEquipmentFoodMetalsMineralsPaperManufactured Goods

The Future of Rail Rail is more efficient for shipping goods.

Rail fuel efficiency has improved by 20% since 1990. The ability to “double-stack” shipping containers

increases efficiency. One double-stacked train can replace 300 trucks

and save over 75,289 gallons of fuel. Computer technology and rail expansion will

enhance rail transport.

Principles of TDL 4A

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