VitalRail

Introduction to VitalRail

VitalRail serves at the heart of OTNA as a comprehensive strategy for enhancing the productivity of our industrial systems by expanding freight rail service. This initiative brings together a diverse group of stakeholders who see unprecedented opportunities to boost efficiency in freight and rail transportation. We view rail infrastructure as the backbone of revitalizing North America’s essential industrial systems. Railroads offer irreplaceable space, energy, and capital efficiencies:

• A one-mile-long train moves the same goods as a 27-mile convoy of trucks.
• For the same freight, rail reduces fuel use and its resulting emissions by one-half to three-quarters.

Though North America enjoys perhaps the world's most productive freight rail system in the world, the industry’s $115 billion annual revenue is in stark contrast with the freight trucking industry’s $1 trillion yearly revenue. However, we need more from railroad companies than they can accomplish on their own. Fortunately, railroads do not need a government bailout, and they outperform many other industries. That stability—combined with rail technology’s inherent efficiencies—delivers a high return on investment when the involved stakeholder groups work together. Increasing freight rail service will contribute cascading benefits to all stakeholders.

There has never been a greater need or more opportunity for capitalizing railroad development to address transportation efficiency and environmental challenges. Rather than emotional critiques and general calls for a so-called rail renaissance, VitalRail is informed by the real challenges and benefits of growing an industry as integral as railroads. Through our IntelliConferences and continual diualogues, VitalRail’s organizing and facilitation teams and professional stakeholders identify breakthroughs, make them actionable, and tackle industry challenges head-on.

VitalRail Core IntelliConferences

We start with core dialogues on the subject of North America’s freight service. Dialogues are goal directed. They have been conceived by our leaders and stakeholders. Using our IntelliConference and IntelliSynthesis events and methods, the dialogues will develop as we delve deeper into the challenges of the frieght and rail industry of North America together.

• Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger
• Rail Growth Capitalization
• Rail Regulatory Excellence
• Rail Business Culture
• Rail Management – Rail Labor
• Containerized International Freight
• Rail Carload System Revitalization
• Rail Energy Efficiency
• Freight Transportation Land Use
• Rail Technology Adoption
• Rail Trucking Coordination

Organizing Principles

1. Design for Action - Create dynamic, updatable, easy to track plans rather than static reports and unorganized discussion.
2. Radical Inclusion - Engage all stakeholders, regions, and projects comprehensively
3. Right Tools and Data - Use advanced mapping systems and private-sector data beyond basic government datasets
4. Integrated Systems - Treat rail and roads as one collaborative system, not competitors
5. Whole Supply Chains - Focus on complete supply chain strategies rather than individual projects
6. Interstate Coordination - Plan across state lines through coalitions like the Southwest Supply Chain Coalition
7. Smart Economic Development - Integrate rail planning with economic development strategies
8. Land-Use Integration - Coordinate freight transportation with land-use planning
9. Compelling Growth Plans - Present railroads with attractive business opportunities
10. Private Investment - Attract private capital rather than relying solely on government funding

VitalRail FAQs

Go to the VitalRail FAQs page to get your early questions answered.

Join Us!

Go to Participation Options to enter this world of positive change collaboration. The OTNA staff and all our stakeholders look forward to meeting you.