I must join the naysayers here. If the feedlots are only buying their feed " ... from the Central Valley " ( San Joaquin I assume ), and if Ewe - Pee is still discouraging loose car railroading, as mentioned by Shortline Sammie & Stan Patterson, I can see where the rate will be set to discourage the whole thing. Yes, a covered hopper holds as much grain as 3 to 4 trucks. However the truck can make 2 roundtrips a day from say, Modesto, and anytime the customer requests it. Doubtful the railroad(s) involved will come close to this service level. Also, any rail hauled load will still have to be transferred to a feed trough truck @ the feedlot. Outbound lumber is a non - starter in the tree hugger North Coast. I think NCRA / NWP would be better off schmoozing the trash business interests. Think green !!!