The first mode that we are going to discuss is Rail. Historically, the rail system has moved the largest number of ton-miles in the US. A ton-mile is a standard measurement that combines weight and distance.
In the past rail ranked number one in the number of miles, but there has been a decline in the amount of rail track.
Nearly 1 million miles of highways in U.S.
Key benefits include
Speed of transit
Ability to operate door-to-door
More efficient than rail for small shipments over short distances
Dominate freight moves under 500 miles and from manufacturing to wholesalers to retailers
Many companies run their own truck fleets as well (e.g. WalMart)