Opinion: For railroads, there may be no new “normal”

(Source: Railway Age opinion column by Nicholas Little, June 11, 2020)

NEW YORK — In response to Jim Blaze’s interesting “Railroad Mega-mergers” article from earlier this week, I’m not sure that the historical perspective will apply in a developing “new normal” business economy in the United States. I believe COVID-19 impacts will massively change behaviors. Consumer spending will be driven more toward e-commerce and “Amazon-like” solutions. Interestingly, Walmart has weathered the storm much better than many thought. Perhaps their massive presence in brick-and-mortar stores alongside a rapidly evolving fulfillment capability using common inventory will turn out to be a model for the future.

Full story: Railway Age

Thursday, June 11, 2020