Heavy haul freight railroads carrying bulk materials such as coal or iron ore are characterized by several unique challenges relating to investment in construction and maintenance as well as achievement of optimal operating efficiency. This paper examines heavy haul railroads around the world in a comparative context that highlights differences relative to operating parameters, degree of integr...

Open access is sometimes seen as promoting rail competition effectively when infrastructure geography and market demand restricts routings — e.g. in Europe. European railways are passenger-oriented, highly scheduled, poorly standardized, and lines serve specialized functions. Conversely, American railroads are freight-oriented, flexible, and highly standardized. Consequently, optimal forms of o...

Scholars have long recognized the important differences between the northern and southern rail networks. Business historians focusing on northern enterprises have documented an impressive list of accomplishments: railroads pioneered modern accounting methods; railroads introduced new management techniques and organizational structures; and railroads helped transform national and international c...