Rich Hunn Wrote:
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The Kingman
> thing is interesting as it's about the same size
> as the arrangement in Cheyenne and seem to be a
> trend. I can't honestly see where either deal
> will
> do the shipper any good, cost wise. Maybe it
> replaces a local or a switcher assignment but the
> BNSF is already getting their butt sued regularly
> by shippers pissed off over rates. They'd be
> better off trying to play nice.

That is precisely why BNSF does not want the Cheyenne operation between the customers and the road switcher which will be taking the cars to the park. The road switcher crew that takes the cars to the industrial park might as well spot the cars instead of delivering the cars to a third party that will then spot the car. There is no value added to what that third party does. That is why BNSF will not be paying the third party carrier in Cheyenne, having taken the position that it is willing to spot the cars as part of the rate the customer is paying but is not willing to absorb any charge by a third party. This becomes a much more expensive operation for the customer. Not because the third party crews are making a lot of money, but because the creator of the third party intends to make a profit off of this unneeded operation.