Free Tool · Mode-Shift Calculator

Rail-vs-Truck Mode-Shift Calculator

Compare rail and truck side-by-side on any U.S. lane. Per-load cost, annual spend, and CO2e emissions delta — using URCS 2024 rail costs, DAT spot-market trucking averages, and EPA SmartWay 2024 emission factors.

Lane & Volume

carloads/year

Indicative comparison only — based on URCS 2024 rail costs, DAT spot-market trucking averages, and EPA SmartWay 2024 emission factors. We do not guarantee rates.

Tip: Enter your actual contracted truck rate for the most realistic comparison. If you leave it blank, we use $2.30/mi DAT National Spot Avg dry van linehaul plus an auto-derived fuel surcharge using the OOIDA-standard formula (HDF − $1.20) ÷ 6.5 mpg, refreshed monthly from EIA diesel prices. The breakdown shows in your results.

Comparing modes...

Resolving rail routing...

→
rail miles
Rail · Annual
Truck · Annual
Estimated Annual Savings

Per-Load & Annual Comparison

Component Rail Truck Δ

Emissions Delta · EPA SmartWay 2024 factors

Rail (tons CO2e/yr)
Truck (tons CO2e/yr)
Annual CO2e Avoided
Indicative comparison using URCS 2024 rail costs + DAT spot-market trucking averages + EPA SmartWay 2024 emission factors. Steel Wheel Logistics does not guarantee rates. Contact us for a binding rate.
Get a Binding Rate · (601) 821-2199 Email a Sales Rep