The following article discusses the results of the widening of the Panama Canal - due for completion in 2015. It does not talk so much about the railroads so much as it refers to the impact on the "land bridge" from west to east. http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_ne...al-expansion-sets-up-battle-of-the-ports?lite It is a very long article most of which has nothing to do with trains unless you read between the lines and grasp the ripple affect. Enjoy.
I was hired by UP in January 2011 due to the closure of the canal in the Ft Worth service unit. We were told to expect a 50/50 chance of layoff once it reopened.
There was an impact when it first opened, upon the railroads. When it is able to accomodate larger ships and move more traffic, I am sure there will again be an impact. Railroads need to be hustling now with marketing plans and increased speed in operations, hoping to offset effects.
UP will need to be taken over by BNSF if they want to increase system velocity. BNSF is in the business of moving freight. UP is in the business of writing rules.
