North American freight rail industry real-time optimized equipment distribution systems: State of the practice

In this article, we discuss the state of the practice in optimization systems to distribute empty railcars to shippers by two major US freight railroads, BNSF and CSX. We describe the approaches and formulations used at BNSF and CSX, comparing them to other published articles on implemented Equipment Distribution Optimization systems. We concentrate on the similarities and differences in the approaches and challenges of system implementation. Finally, we discuss how the choice of optimization model technology must complement railroad organizational structure, information systems, decision making processes and operational procedures.