"Ignatius Thistlewhite" wrote in message
.9...
You wrote:

What is more efficient in terms of fuel usage; driving a loaded 18
wheeler across country or putting the trailer on a railroad train
along with 100 others and transporting them across country? I don't
know and am curious.

My guess is the railroad is far more efficient, fuel-wise. If it is,
we should be doing more of it.

My guess is that the beancounters at WalMart, Sears, etc. have already
done the calculations and are using the most efficient methods
available.


Big box stores like that use distribution centers, often on rail lines,
where large bulk quanities are loaded on trucks for delivery to individual
stores. Other goods, arrive by truck as mix lots, and is further broken
down for delivery.