We are geographically small, population dense Country. Suited to Passenger traffic more than freight. USA is the opposite and has much higher freight percentage.
Spot on. A distinction that the great American railroader Ed Burkhardt, saviour of British Railfreight (in his mind) never appreciated.
At the EWS takeover, he found that only 5% off British 'freight' ton-miles moved by rail He decided that this was the result of the pathetic managers that ran it under BR; after all, an increase from 5% to 10% seemed to be easily achievable, and would double his business. It had worked, presumably, in central Wisconsin.
Very comprehensive plans for the massive increase in revenue were set out in a 5 year plan; shown to very few BR managers, on pain of instant dismissal if they even discussed them. His loco expert mate Jim mapped out the future fleet requirements on the basis of this increase in traffic. It was decided that another around 300 locos were required; the new 66s and 67s would enter service and the older diesels mothballed for a couple of years but then would be back in service, needed for all this extra business.
The plan, though at first sight logical, was sophistry; although Trainload Freight and RfD only moved about 5% of total British freight ton-miles they had about 90% of the business that was suitable for rail. Unfortunately, he was not someone who accepted wise counsel, particularly from people in a 'socialist' (his words) European country. but you are very unlikely to have your milk delivered to your doorstep by a 47 or find a 56 ticking over on the unloading bay of your local supermarket but of course all this would be included in the total ton-miles figure. However, Ed did try; one potential customer he forwarded to us for action sent a Ford Transit (ok a
Luton- bodied Ford Transit) fully loaded
once a fortnight to a car plant. The originating point was 50 miles from the nearest freight railhead. Difficult to budge Ed from his beliefs, nut it was all in the target extra 5%.
Of course, he dismissed many ex BR managers but because of pesky employment legislation about unfair dismissal he had to give us a wad of cash to go quietly and also straight onto a pension if we were over 50. It's a hard life, honest guv, my head will now return to below the parapet
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