Rails relent on rates for volume

摘要

Double-digit volume declines and lower prices for coal are making railroads willing to negotiate on rates to preserve volumes. The concessions have been more noted by eastern shippers on railroads Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX. They have weathered coal volume declines of 17pc and 14pc, respectively, this year and are bracing for a downturn in exports, the one bright spot for coal this year as domestic demand remains tapped down by low natural gas prices and weather.