By Belinda Hess

Navigating the Rail Supply Chain Maze: Your Strategic Advantage

Hello, I’m Belinda Hess with PraxiChain, your trusted rail logistics consultants. I want to show you how we transform your railroad shipping challenges into competitive advantages. We achieve this through specialized expertise, data-driven strategies, and industry relationships that other rail consultants lack. PraxiChain works as an extension of your business, offering a selection of flexible and available rail logistics services tailored to exactly what you need. 

Your Class I Railroad Challenges in the Rail Supply Chain

    I’ve been speaking with companies like yours, and I know you’re facing significant hurdles with your rail logistics operations:
  • Unpredictable service and reliability issues that wreak havoc on your rail supply chain
  • Opaque pricing structures where you’re potentially paying excessive rates, especially as a captive shipper
  • A complex regulatory environment that’s nearly impossible to navigate on your own
  • First-mile/last-mile service problems causing costly delays you can’t afford
  • Limited leverage when you’re trying to negotiate contracts with railroad giants
  • The frustration of getting no resolution when rail service issues arise
  • Inefficient railcar utilization that’s driving up your equipment costs and demurrage charges

How PraxiChain’s Rail Logistics Services Transform Your Railroad Relationships

1. Strategic Rail Rate Negotiation

Our team leverages in-depth pricing knowledge and comprehensive benchmarking analysis to ensure you’re getting market-competitive rates, even as a captive shipper. We have former Class I pricing executives who understand railroad costing models from the inside. I personally make sure we provide you with comprehensive information on competitive rail shipping rates, routes, and options, along with all associated charges, so you can make confident decisions.

2. Rail Supply Chain Performance Optimization

We take a systematic approach to documenting and addressing service failures with detailed tracking methods that identify patterns invisible to individual shippers. This creates real accountability and measurable improvement in your rail service. My team tracks all your operational metrics, including on-time performance, equipment orders, and transit times, providing you with detailed analysis and ad hoc reporting to drive continuous improvement in your rail supply chain.

3. Fleet Optimization & Asset Management Excellence

Our advanced railcar fleet analytics approach provides you with unparalleled visibility into your fleet utilization, identifying critical inefficiencies that you may not even realize exist. I’ll work with you to right-size your fleet, reduce empty miles, minimize car cycle times, and strategically position assets to maximize productivity while cutting those costly demurrage and accessorial charges. My clients typically see fleet utilization improvements of 22-35% within six months, turning railcar assets from a liability into a competitive advantage.

4. Regulatory Navigation & Advocacy

We provide expert guidance through Surface Transportation Board (STB) proceedings and potential rate challenges. I’m proud of our proven track record of successful interventions that have saved clients millions in excessive charges.

5. Contract Structure Enhancement

Our specialized contracting approach incorporates performance guarantees, service metrics, and financial penalties that Class I railroads will actually accept—something general logistics consultants simply cannot deliver. I personally provide direct support during contract negotiations and service agreements to protect your interests while maintaining productive railroad relationships.

6. First-Mile/Last-Mile Solutions

We design and implement customized operating plans that optimize your interface with the railroad’s local service, reducing dwell time and improving equipment utilization.

7. Crisis Response & Escalation

When service failures occur (and we both know they will), our established relationships with senior railroad operations executives provide escalation channels that get immediate attention and resolution. My team handles customer complaints related to freight delays, service issues, and damages, working across departments to address concerns promptly and effectively.

8. Comprehensive Freight Customer Support

We’ve built a team that provides complete support:

  • Shipment tracking: You’ll get current updates on freight location and status, with periodic reports highlighting areas for improvement
  • Communication: We interact with your team and/or customers via phone, email, and online regarding all service needs and updates
  • Problem solving: We identify freight-associated issues and resolve them efficiently before they impact your bottom line
  • Intelligence gathering: I make sure you know about rail maintenance and weather impacts associated with specific routes before they become problems
  • Customer insights: We gather and analyze customer feedback to continuously improve services and enhance the overall customer experience
  • Data analysis: Our analytical expertise turns complex shipping data into actionable insights that drive real improvements

Why PraxiChain Succeeds Where Other Rail Logistics Consultants Fall Short

We built PraxiChain to be different, and here’s why we succeed where other rail consultants may fall short:

  1. Rail Industry Insider Expertise: My team comprises former Class I railroad executives who possess in-depth knowledge of railroad decision-making from the inside. We know how they think because we’ve been there.
  2. Data-Driven Rail Logistics Approach: We leverage comprehensive shipping data across multiple clients to identify patterns and opportunities that are completely invisible to individual shippers.
  3. Rail Supply Chain Analytical Problem-Solving: Our thorough analytics capabilities allow us to identify root causes, develop strategic rail logistics solutions, and implement practical improvements that traditional rail consultants simply can’t match.
  4. Proven Results in Rail Logistics: I’ve developed an optimization approach that has delivered documented savings while improving service metrics for over 85% of our rail shipping clients.
  5. Complete Independence: Unlike rail brokers or 3PLs, we have no financial interest in your shipping decisions—our sole goal is to optimize your rail relationships.
  6. Regulatory Relationships: Our established connections with STB officials and deep understanding of regulatory proceedings provide influence where it matters most.

Measurable Rail Logistics Results You Can Expect

When you work with PraxiChain’s rail logistics services, you’ll see real results:

  • Average 17% reduction in rail transportation costs for my captive shipper clients
  • 35% improvement in on-time delivery performance within the first 90 days
  • Documented 41% decrease in first-mile/last-mile rail service failures
  • 28% reduction in car cycle times, improving rail supply chain asset utilization
  • Successful resolution of 94% of rail service escalations within 24 hours
  • 32% average reduction in demurrage and accessorial charges
  • Fleet size optimization resulting in 15-25% capital expense reduction while maintaining or improving rail service levels
  • 40% decrease in empty railcar miles through strategic repositioning
  • Equipment availability improvements of 29% through predictive maintenance scheduling
  • Reduced operational costs through the identification of inefficiencies in rail operations
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty through responsive rail logistics support and performance improvements

PraxiChain doesn’t just advise on rail shipping—we transform your rail supply chain from a constant challenge into a strategic advantage for your business. I’m committed to turning the rail component of your supply chain from a cost center into a competitive edge. We serve as an integral extension of your business, offering flexible rail logistics services that adapt to your evolving needs and priorities.

I’d love to discuss how we can help you navigate the rail supply chain maze and transform your shipping operations. Let’s talk soon about how our rail logistics consultants can make a difference for your business.

Belinda Hess brings over 25 years of specialized rail logistics experience, including leadership roles with Class I railroad operations and pricing divisions. As Senior Consultant at PraxiChain, she leads strategic rail logistics consulting services for large shippers, focusing on rate optimization, service performance improvement, and regulatory advocacy. Her insider expertise in railroad decision-making processes and comprehensive understanding of captive shipper challenges help industrial companies transform their rail operations from cost centers into competitive advantages. 

Contact PraxiChain for more information or to schedule a meeting with Belinda Hess.