The Voice Wrote:

> Actually, river barges have everything to do with
> ocean going ships. Where do you think all that
> grain is going?


Sorry didn't think I needed to explain that, but apparently I should have.

Very little to nothing that travels the river (equipment) is compatible with the ocean going equipment so it once again would require additional handling. Handling of goods and products takes time, labor and money. These things work against moving from train to the river upriver to avoid or relive congestion through the george and was the point I was trying to make about the incompatibility of rail-to-river-to-ship- vs. rail-to-ship.

Some products move via the river because from field that is the closest destination and the handling cost to move it from field-to-river-to-train-to-ship is more than just keeping it on a barge the whole way. Once moving, keep it moving once it is moving.

Someone who knows more about the State of Washington Grain train operations might be able to elaborate, but I assume that without the equipment and co-op(s)/silos to collect (or however they do it) the loaded grain truck would have to travel from the field the the river and the cost of that drive time, or the road damage is non-competitive?

But The Voice, you are right they are connected.