Disadvantages of Rail Freight

DIGITALIZATION IN SHIPPING INDUSTRY

Rail freight transportation includes the use of railroads and trains to transport cargo on land. 

The trains used for rail freight transportation are freight trains. They can haul bulk cargo and standardized shipping containers. 

Although rail freight transportation can be beneficial, it also has some disadvantages.

The following are the 4 disadvantages of Rail Transport:

  • COSTLY: Rail freight transport can be more expensive than road transport since it requires a large investment of capital, high cost of construction and maintenance.
  • LACK OF DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICES: Rail freight transport cannot provide door to door services as it is tied to a particular track. Loading and unloading consumes more time.
  • INFLEXIBILITY: Rail freight transport is inflexible. The routes and timings cannot be adjusted to individual requirements.

NOT SUITABLE FOR SHORT DISTANCES: Rail freight transport is unsuitable and uneconomical for short distances.