Efficient and cost-effective rail shipping
Uber Freight offers fully managed rail shipping services that take the guesswork out of rail freight and keep your shipments moving from origin to final destination.
We make rail shipping look easy
Uber Freight combines best-in-class technology with an expert team and provides access to all Class I, II, and III railroads across North America. This gives shippers complete visibility into their entire rail network and helps optimize fleet utilization to manage costs and meet sustainability goals.
We provide unmatched visibility and control over your rail shipments with live tracking integration from class 1-3 railroads, proactive exception management, and deep data-driven insights. Whether you’re shipping across the country, across the Mexican or Canadian border, or just a few states over, Uber Freight keeps your freight running smoothly.
Why choose Uber Freight for rail shipping
Proactive issue resolution
Our team monitors your rail shipments, stepping in to address problems before they escalate. Whether it’s resolving delays or managing congestion, we take action early to keep your freight moving smoothly.
Comprehensive logistics solutions
For complex shipments, Uber Freight can connect rail with full intermodal transportation and multimodal transportation solutions. Whether it’s ocean, air, LTL, FTL, drayage, or final mile, we have the expertise and scale to manage even the most complex supply chains.
No asset ownership needed
You don’t need to own a fleet of railcars to take advantage of our services. Uber Freight provides full tracking and logistics management for vendor-owned rail cars so you maintain visibility and control without the burden of ownership.
Flexible pricing and service models
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Visibility Only
We streamline shipment creation and provide real-time tracking for all shipments within your network, including those managed by vendors. Automated Shipment Creation Tracking and Visibility
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Visibility + Monitoring
Our team monitors your shipments and provides real-time insights to optimize operations to keep your supply chain running smoothly. Automated Shipment Creation Tracking and Visibility Exceptions Intervention BI Reporting
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Fully Managed
Fully outsourced rail shipping includes end-to-end shipment management from creation to delivery. Automated Shipment Creation Tracking and Visibility Exceptions Intervention BI Reporting Waybill Generation Network Optimization Transport Strategy Proactive Support
Take the guesswork out of rail shipping with best-in-class analytics
Get a bird’s eye view of your rail shipments with detailed analytics that help you monitor performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
Live tracking
Full visibility across the entire rail network
Monitor your railcars with live tracking across multiple networks. Leverage data from RFID scanners, railcar telematics, and direct integrations with all major railroads through the Uber Freight TMS, or integrate with our flexible API to pull data into your own system. Monitor leased equipment, system cars, and empty shipments with ease, and get end-to-end full cycle and inbound vendor shipment visibility.
Dynamic ETAs
Predict arrival times with confidence
Dynamic ETAs enable shippers to effectively forecast inventory and streamline rail operations. Easily predict arrival times across all rail legs by factoring in real-time congestion and dwell times at key junctions. You can also alert facility managers when a shipment is arriving to expedite loading and unloading.
Reporting and Analytics
Uncover opportunities with in-depth analytics
Uber Freight provides a suite of automated reports including inbound pipeline, detention and demurrage, and cycle reporting, to help organize operations and ease coordination across teams and vendors. Get detailed insights and score carding to identify bottlenecks, optimize your network, and meet sustainability targets.
Rail shipping services
Live Tracking
Automated shipment creation
Waybill automation
Demurrage and detention mitigation
Exceptions intervention
Payment
Rail Shipping Resources
Rail Shipping FAQs
What types of goods can be transported via rail shipping?
Rail shipping is incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of goods. It’s especially well-suited for large, heavy, or bulk shipments like raw materials, chemicals, agricultural products, and industrial goods. You can also ship things like automobiles, construction materials, and even hazardous materials safely by rail. It’s particularly suited for industries that have flexible schedules and need to move large volumes of goods over long distances.
How does rail shipping compare to other modes of transportation in terms of cost and efficiency?
Rail shipping can be a great option if you’re looking to move large volumes of goods over long distances. It’s generally more cost-effective than trucking, especially for bulk shipments, because trains can carry more cargo at once and use less fuel per ton of freight. However, rail is typically slower than truck transport and might involve additional handling or transfers if your shipment needs to switch between different railroads or modes of transport.
What are the safety measures in place for rail shipping?
Railroads follow strict regulations for securing and transporting goods, especially when it comes to hazardous materials or oversized loads. Trains themselves are equipped with advanced technology, like sensors and automated systems, to monitor for any issues during transit. Regular inspections and maintenance of both the railcars and the tracks help prevent accidents before they happen. Plus, with real-time tracking and monitoring, we can quickly respond to any potential problems.
How can I track my shipment during rail transit?
Uber Freight provides updates on your shipment’s location, thanks to our advanced tracking systems. We use a combination of RFID scanners, railcar telematics, and direct integrations with the major railroads to keep tabs on your freight every step of the way.
You can check the status of your shipment through the TMS anytime to find out exactly where it is and when it’s expected to arrive. If there’s any delay or issue, you’ll be notified immediately, so you’re always in the loop.
What are the typical transit times for rail shipping?
Transit times for rail shipping can vary depending on the railroad, distance, route, and the type of cargo, but generally, rail is slower than truck transport. For long distances, rail can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. While it’s not the fastest option, it’s often the most cost-effective, especially for large or bulk shipments.
Rail freight made easy
Contact us today to learn how Uber Freight can simplify your rail freight shipping.