This is the time of year to look back and reflect and to look ahead and ponder. 2008 started off as a decent year for me personally and for the railroad industry. As the credit crunch blossomed into a fullblown economic crisis, things didn't look quite as rosy. I also thought it was nice of the economists to tell us that we're officially in a recession that began a year ago.rnAs I look ahead into 2009, I don't see everything coming up roses. But I do see basic strengths in the U.S. economy in general and the railroad industry in particular that give me cause for hope.rnWith companies in virtually all types of businesses tightening their belts, the outlook could be gloomy. But don't forget that the railroads arernthe low-cost shippers in many cases. As economically-pinched companies look at every way possible to reduce costs, more and more of them are going to consider rail to move goods.rnThat's a challenge to our industry. Those potential shippers avoided railroads for a reason. Now that they want to do business with railroads, how can the railroads provide the service they need? Will we see more sidings going into manufacturing facilities? Will we see new types of intermodal service reaching out to potential new customers? I don't know the answers, but I do know railroads willrnhave to be very creative to meet the needs of these potential new customers.
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