Logistics

 A new rail spur from San Luis is a good idea. It should be far east side of the city of Yuma. The spur should connect with the UP main between 7E, and 9E on the NS of Interstate 8. There is an industrial park between Araby, and 8E. We need to start utilizing that space for warehousing, and distribution centers for retail and service corporations.

If at anytime that the ports on the west coast are at capacity, then another port in Mexico, could bring freight up here. Autonomous trucks, and trucks with alternative sources of power are coming, so we need to start to plan our logistics and supply chain accordingly. Over the road freight is on its way out. The new generation of driver doesn’t like the lifestyle. So a perfect storm of new truck technology, and a new driver dynamic, should come a new logistics model to do the business of moving freight.

The time has come for more distribution centers, and intermodal yards. Intermodal freight can be transported quicker by train, than over the road. The need for drivers would be more middle mile, and last mile, rather than just middle mile. Make middle mile regional. With an enhanced intermodal, and distribution infrastructure logistics logjams can be averted. All the elements come back to rail. With a global economy, we as a country must learn to compete in a global economy. Rail is the answer. This is a good idea.

We also need to not put rail where it interferes with homes, businesses, or agriculture. Those are needed in our society also. So as far east as this can go once the rail enters the U.S. will be good for everyone. Maybe if we bring in some of our imports through Mexico, and bring them up here to Yuma, and then dispatch them to other parts of the US, then maybe we can clear this logjam in logistics.