Are branch lines a thing of the past?

Question

I'm guessing that the modern large railroads are really only interested in running high capacity trains from point to point (i.e unit trains, auto trains). Are branch lines serving odd industries becoming a thing of the past? (I hope not...to me they have the most character). Do the large rails even run way freights anymore?

Answer 1

Not at all.

Many large carriers still operate branch lines, but the majority of branch lines have been "sold" to another "new" railroad, usually becoming a new short line.

The short lines are usually non-union, with the original carrier still receiving the short line traffic in interchange. I can name two right here in my neck of the woods. The old SP Siskiyou branch was sold to a new entity, the California and Oregon Pacific, aka CORP. The old SP "West Valley" line was sold and incorporated as the California Northern.

Both of these are non-union outfits, and both connect on each end of the line right back to the main line of the former owner. The result is, the carriers still get the lion's share of the revenue from the traffic and the trains are now manned with $10 per hour employees. It is nothing more than a ploy to legally bust union contracts.

The list is long.

Answer 2

In Austin, TGS, ( Trans Global Services ) is operating a line that serves both the BNSF and UP, ( as well as a lot of shippers) . This would be our AUAR, Austin Area Railroad ( I think that is what
the initials stand for ). They are hauling 80 plus car trains of rock along the old Llano div of the former Southern Pacific.
Going by the mixed consists there is a lot of other busines being served as well. I don't know if they will have the contract renewed but they are operating on a " cost plus " basis.
We work very closely around them and try to assist when we can.
I have been told this is how railroading used to be done 30 years ago by a conductor who reflected on how every mom and pop fruit stand had its own spur and cars to pick up and set out.
They run 4 different kinds of trains: the Gandy turn and switcher, the Austin switcher, the Butler turn and switcher
and switching operations at Summit.
Its nice seeing new welded line and the low profile switches being added.

Answer 3

There is one in the Pittsburgh area which serves the US Steel works in the Mon Valley (and is owned by same). The Union RR has a rather interesting track layout and carries coal to the plant to be coked. I find it interesting that Union has their own engines and still use cabooses but the ore cars have other carriers' markings on them. I get to watch them from work two or three times a day.

Answer 4

CSX has branch lines that serve power plants. Most of this line are not well maintain and the only time work is done is after a FRA inspection.