Shortlines, Industries, and Empties

[steinjr]

Now, what exactly is a "pool" car?

Car that when emptied does not have to be returned to the car owner, but can be sent anywhere with it's next load. Cuts down on having to haul empty cars long distances, and saves the railroads capacity and money - an empty car takes up the same length in a train as a loaded car, but brings in no revenue.

One company which provides cars for pool service is TTX: http://www.ttx.com/TTXHome.aspx

Smile,
Stein