NC State University and rail industry data provider Railinc have launched a new research partnership aimed at improving freight efficiency by identifying opportunities to rebalance shipments from trucks to rail.

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The study will use advanced big-data analytics to examine how even small shifts in freight volumes from highways to rail networks can generate meaningful cost savings, emissions reductions, and infrastructure planning benefits. The focus is on long-haul freight movements, where rail can offer advantages in efficiency, capacity, and sustainability.

“The rail industry has made tremendous progress in improving freight efficiency,” said Allen West, CEO of Railinc. “This analysis builds on that progress by helping trucking shippers better understand where rail can deliver real value.”

Early findings suggest the potential impact could be significant. According to Dr. George List, a nationally recognized professor at NC State, shifting just 2% of truck freight to rail could materially increase intermodal rail volumes and strengthen the business case for targeted infrastructure investments.

The research also supports broader industry efforts to reduce emissions and improve transportation system performance, reinforcing rail’s role in a safer and more sustainable freight network.

The initiative builds on NC State’s earlier work for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT Research Project 2023-09), which analyzed modal demand across supply chain sectors and laid the groundwork for a more expansive, national-level assessment.

“By combining Railinc’s data capabilities with NC State’s analytical expertise, we can deliver actionable insights for industry leaders and policymakers,” said Dr. Daniel J. Findley, Associate Director at NC State’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education. “Rail is often overlooked in freight planning, yet it can offer compelling advantages in cost, capacity, and sustainability. This research helps identify where modal rebalancing is both practical and impactful.”

Beyond the study itself, the partnership signals a broader collaboration between NC State and Railinc, opening the door to future research initiatives, student involvement, and workforce development opportunities across the transportation sector.