Reload Operations

The Reload Pool

Authorized by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) in 1981 and continuously operating since then, Reload permits railroads to pool their autorack fleets (for the transportation of finished vehicles).  TTX manages Reload, which functions as a cooperative venture between the railroads, TTX, and auto manufacturers.  With data and information provided by shippers and the railroads, TTX optimizes the flows of empty railcars across the North American rail network, using internally developed operations research tools and computer software (the railroads operate the trains).  The results of the optimizations are continually shared with pool participants, resulting in the avoidance of over 1 billion empty miles per year.

The railcar equipment pooled consists of Bi and Tri-Level autoracks.  Usually TTX owns the flatcar while the railroads supply the racks.  However, the pool is not limited to cars in which TTX has an ownership interest, and in many cases the entire car is owned by a railroad.  

The North America Boxcar Pool (NABP)

TTX manages the North American Boxcar Pool (NABP) under the terms specified in a contract with the pool participants.  The pooling authority was established in 1987 by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), and operations commenced in 2003.  Railroads contribute their own equipment to the pool, and TTX facilitates efficient distribution across the network (illustrating the fact that TTX is not limited to only managing its own equipment).

The concept of the pool is straightforward.  Usually freight cars move loaded in one direction, but empty in the reverse.  Boxcars are no exception, and by sharing each other's assets the railroads save empty miles and operating expenses, allowing them to compete for more traffic.