There was a time when most goods were shipped via rail. This was prior to the ever competing post office, DHL, UPS, FedEx, and of course the myriad common carrier trucking companies all over the place. Prior to this it was the pony express and private carriers.
Today is National Ship Via Rail Day. It happens on May 10 and aims to bring advantages of shipping by rail and utilizing railroads to the forefront by promoting railroad shipping under the auspices of an entity known as Progressive Rail Incorporated.
Typically, these freight and cargo trains can transport pretty much anything in bulk. Rail shipping is considered more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than road transportation — but has lost freight business due to an inherent lack of flexibility.
The day began on the 100th anniversary of completing the Transcontinental Railroad in Promontory Point in Utah. The thrust was to emphasize those advantages of shipping by rail and utilizing railroads as well as promote railroad and short line railroad shipping.