Single Car Coal Shipments

CapeCoaler wrote:Old trestle dump in Ridgwood NJ...
Car dealer there when I was a kid...
cars parked where the bulk product would fall to...

I think I know where you are talking about. Thats the ford/lincoln dealer on Franklin St next to the train station. I remember as a kid they were doing work on that part of the tracks and now it makes sense.

I've been lurking here for over a month. Some very interesting topics.

I've posted to this one because some of you need easier access to coal, and I may have a solution if some of you want to get together on this.
Trucking is probably your best option. 'Super Sacks' could be used for the coal. 'Super Sacks' will hold 2,000 to 4,000 lbs. each. and would already be pre-weighed.
They could be loaded into a Van, Reefer, or on a Flatbed trailer. Multiple stops could be lined up with the trucking company chosen.

I'm a trucker, and I've hauled 'Super Sack' loads of all types of minerals and metals to various places over the years.

Edited to add: For those of you in New England......The coal could be a great 'Backhaul' for one of your local trucking companies to get the driver back home.

Sounds promising. How do you get the super sack off the truck at each stop?

I edited my first post to add info. But you would need access to a forklift for unloading, but maybe it could be shipped to the local lumber yard/concrete plant ......any place with a loading dock if using a van or reefer.

The pallet could then be put directly on your pickup.

Also, what is the charge for a full tractor trailer load? How much does the shipping company charge per ton/per mile?

Good idea! But would that be back haul or BLACK haul?!!?

Carbon12 wrote:Good idea! But would that be back haul or BLACK haul?!!?

LOL

When the coal is put into the super sacks, the trailer usually stays very clean, which is a big plus.

Carbon12 wrote:Also, what is the charge for a full tractor trailer load? How much does the shipping company charge per ton/per mile?

I can't answer exactly, as each company is different, but I think the charge would be roughly 400 dollars from NE Pa. to NH. Maybe less if it was used as a 'backhaul' from one of your local trucking companies.

I should also mention, that with this type of delivery..........different grades of coal could be loaded into the same truck at one time.
For example.......if you want nut, the next guy wants rice, next wants pea, and so on.

So assuming 22 ton load at $180.00/ton at breaker plus $400.00ish for shipping you're looking at $198.00/ton delivered. That's a good price, I think........Any New Englanders find that price attractive???

Of course we find that price attractive! I will take 2 tons of Nut at that price.

I think the direction of the commodity flows using those types of equipment generally is into New England, so trucking rates that low may not be easy to find.

Mike

Bid out the load.

http://www.uship.com

I like UShip and have used it to move a lot of stuff. To move coal into New England I think the best bet would be trying to fill the empty backhauls of car carriers. That's one type of equipment that does tend to move empty into New England, and there are a lot of operators with pickups and 2-car trailers that might move a small number of pallets for fairly short money, if you could provide the loading and unloading. I still don't think it's likely you'll find anyone to move 22 tons for $400.

Mike

Nah.....I paid $700 for a TT load several years ago. And I had it delivered to a local lumber yard I did much business with. They split it and delivered it for $80 to each place(2). That was a bargain. When I ran out I calculated how much I saved and decided it was not worth the extra effort. Moving coal 700 miles needs to be done in bulk like railcars and that is not available in Downeast Maine anymore. The guys in Northern Maine have the benefit of someone that back trucks to them and does not rape them for the cost. Coal is cheaper way up in Ft. Kent then Machias area.

Kevin