While coal and grain are important products to our region, we should see inter-modal or piggy back sometime soon in the future. In fact, sources tell me that the Illinois Central is preparing for greatly increased traffic on its Iowa lines to Chicago. Railroads need conductors and engineers in high volume and shipping areas. Then, too, some shipping is seasonal. The various companies do their best to balance out human resources.
Railroad workers belong to a system based on seniority.
Most important is that railroad work is 24 hours a day and seven days a week. A new electronic, computer-based braking system has completed tests and is being readied for installation on trains. One such line is planned for Omaha-Des Moines to Chicago. Some railroads are already using Global Positioning Devices and others are sure to follow soon. The future of the railroad industry looks bright.