RSI Logistics Resources

Explore our collection of free rail logistics resources to optimize your rail freight supply chain. Follow along with our rail expert authored blogs, review industry trends, examine data visualizations, and read informative guides

Trending Blog Posts

How CN Railway’s New Carbon Charges Could Impact Rail Shippers

Canadian National Railway Company Announces Amendments to Its Carbon Surcharge Program: What You Need to

Rail Infrastructure Investments in 2025 and Beyond

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is responsible for the safety and development of the critical

Be Prepared for Rail Trends with a Rail TMS

The rail logistics and transportation industry is on the brink of a new era, driven

Blog Categories

Our collection of rail education blogs walk you through the components of rail transportation management systems, rate management, freight shipping logistics, and more. Our team of experts breakdown the rail freight industry in a way that is understandable for both newcomers and seasoned vets of the industry. 

Our collection of rail data and insights blogs will walk you through analyses of the rail freight industry, provide insightful data visualizations, various transportation methods, rail TMS capabilities, and more. If you are interested in viewing rail industry data in a simplified, visual format you can access Rail Info.

Did you know your rail shipping rates are negotiable? Our team of rail rate experts break down the best negotiation strategies, helping you negotiate with confidence. Our rail rates and logistics blog topics also provide you with information and data to benchmark your rates, enabling you to compare them with what other shippers are paying.

Want to learn more about transloading, intermodal transportation, and the key differences between truck and rail shipping? Our team of rail industry professionals have authored over a dozen blogs covering the ins and outs of transloading. Whether it is helping you select a transload facility to explaining the differences between intermodal transportation and transloading, we have you covered. Our experts also walk you through the cost efficiency differences, environmental impact, and other advantages of rail shipping versus truck.

Read about the latest industry news regarding RSI Logistics, the state of the rail freight industry, and other trending supply chain topics.

Free Guide & eBook Resources

All RSI Logistics eBooks and guides in one place.

model shift ebook

Download our exclusive ebook on the shift from rail freight to truck and discover strategies for railroads to reclaim modal share. Featuring expert analysis and actionable insights, RSI Logistics’ rail logistics professionals cover it all.

Shipper's Guide to Rail Freight Rates

When procuring and managing rail rates, it’s important to understand your options and the railroads’ point of view. Our Rail Rate experts created this guide with 40+ pages of actionable information and expert advice to help shippers do just that.

Rail Fleet Optimization

In Optimizing Your Rail Fleet Management, we explore how to maximize your fleet performance and rail logistics.

rail management resource

As pioneers in the realm of rail management software, our mission is to provide transportation professionals like you with the latest technology and industry expertise. Our curated rail management resources include three guides designed to provide you with invaluable information and strategies to successfully navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of rail operations and railcar tracking.

Railroad Data Visualizations

Access free railroad data visualizations featuring industry trends, up-to-date fuel surcharge rates, weekly overviews of performance metrics, and railroad cost index analyses.

Railroad Cost Indexes

Our railroad cost indexes take cost data provided by The Rail Cost Adjustment Factor (RCAF) and The All Inclusive Less Fuel (All-LF). The RCAF provides insight into whether or not rate increases by carriers are reasonable. In short, it is a valuable tool to negotiate your rates with the help of RSI Logistics.

Railroad Performance Metrics

Our railroad performance metrics and reports are based on data directly from the railroads and from the Surface Transportation Board (STB). Our performance metrics include five data visualizations:

  • Industry – Yard Dwell
  • Industry – Trains Delayed
  • Industry – Cars Held
  • Weekly Cars by Railroad
  • Weekly Carloads

Rail Fuel Surcharge Rates

Fuel Surcharge is a tool that is designed for railroads to recover the cost of fuel that is consumed when they move rail cars. Although rail is one of the most cost-effective methods of long-distance transportation, freight engines still consume a significant amount of fuel.

Fuel Surcharge was first developed when the cost of fuel increased to a point where the railroads decided to pass the additional fuel costs onto those who ship with them. The railroads apply a Fuel Surcharge to each railcar shipped on either a mileage or percentage basis.

Monitoring Fuel Surcharge is important for understanding rail freight invoices and the fluctuation of pricing for commodities.

fuel surcharge

For more information on Rail Fuel Surcharge and why it is important, check out our guide.

duel surcharge

For a look at where rates will be over the next couple of months, explore our Fuel Trends report.

RSI Logistics Case Studies

Read through our collection of case studies and see how firms upgrade their rail freight shipping strategy by switching to RSI Logistics. You can access our main case studies page by clicking here. To view specific case studies featuring our two software products, Rail Command® and Rail Impact®, continue reading below.

Learn about companies that used our rail transportation management software, Rail Command, to overcome challenges associated with:

  • Fleet Maintenance
  • Railcar Tracking and Visibility
  • Rail Rate Management
  • Demurrage Management
  • Inaccurate Reporting
  • General Maintenance & Compliance

Learn about companies that used our rail rate analysis software, Rail Impact, to overcome challenges associated with:

  • Rate Strategy (Both Targeting & Requesting)
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Exposure & Growth
  • Losing Market Share
  • Maximizing Profits
  • Rail Rate Benchmarking

Transloading Map

RSI’s Logistics’ Free Transloading Terminal Directories

The purpose of transloading is to transfer products and materials between shipping modes to maximize efficiency. A common form of transloading is transferring goods between truck to rail shipping for different stages of your shipping journey. Our Transloading Map is perfect for shippers looking to overcome transportation limitations such as lack of direct shipping routes, or the need to move goods through areas with limited road access.

What’s Included?

  • North American Terminals
  • Materials and Commodities Information Per Each Terminal
  • Terminal Capabilities, Services, and Contact Information
transload directory map

All North American Terminals, and the information you need, in one place.