The rise of global commerce and increasingly integrated worldwide supply chains create exciting growth opportunities for railroads. Even as our industry manages the transition in the energy markets, we are embracing new technologies and transitioning to a future built on the tremendous growth potential of intermodal and merchandise markets.
This transformation is already well underway. In the East, major investments in double-stack intermodal clearance are underway, and new and expanded intermodal terminals across the nation are providing additional capacity as well as greatly enhancing the efficient handling of intermodal shipments from marine ports and other origins to the nation’s consumption centers.
Equally exciting are new technologies that are enabling the rail industry to meet the demands of service-sensitive markets and to operate more efficiently. Big Data analysis, for example, allows us to further leverage the huge volume of data produced by our industry. Applying advanced algorithms to operational and customer-driven data produces actionable information, supporting system development that provides customers with improved supply chain visibility and enabling us to identify and support highway-to-rail conversion opportunities. In addition, we’re employing advanced information technologies that drive operational efficiencies through improved planning and asset utilization. That allows us to respond more nimbly to dynamic conditions, and identify opportunities to further enhance safety performance.
At the same time, advanced locomotive systems and new automation and robotics technology are showing great promise in our drive to increase productivity and support cost-efficiency initiatives, which in turn enable our industry to continue investing in improvements that support future growth.
Throughout its history, the rail industry has responded to the needs of an evolving economy. Given a balanced regulatory environment, we will continue to invest in infrastructure and technology that supports our customers’ needs and responds effectively to the demands of service-sensitive shipments in a highly integrated global economy.