Railroads are limiting container loads to locations like Chicago. Here is why:
- Inland container yards are full
- Warehouses are full. Prologis Inc. said the vacancy rate in the firm’s top 30 U.S. markets is 3%—good for them but historically, vacancy rates are >5%
- Chassis are scarce: Direct ChassisLink Inc. said that because of the extended time his trailers are stuck beneath containers I.e., acting as a storage location — it takes 26,000 more of the trailers to move 11% fewer shipments.
But there appears to be less rail traffic density as less crude oil is on the rails — half of what it was in 2020 (See graph)— but don’t forget railroads are contending with higher turnover and less ability to recruit and train.
Will I see you at CSCMP this year?