In the end the total expenditure roughly 360 billion

At a recent forum for business in Houston, Texas, Michael l. Eskew, UPS President, criticised the State of infrastructure in the USA. Underinvestment and lack of maintenance and reach a "shocking" level, according to a report of the American Society of Civil Engineers, who said such: "the Americans must understand that their jobs and their standard of living depend on the economy and of global trade." But in 2005, the US freight was affected by congestion of the ports on the West Coast; "problems worsened when the increase in Chinese imports has led the supply chain to the limits of thrombosis".

Congestion cost of $ 7. 8 billion US TRM

"So far, transport networks have been the backbone of global commerce". "But today, the country neglected and plays with his future," said Mr. Eskew. And, in the light of the accumulated delay, upgrading will involve high volumes. Remains that there is no need to create new capacity in ports if those of rail are too weak to move cargo. Investing means therefore think intermodality and connecting networks.

And the Federal State in the dock, for his lack of political will. Thus, according to the Federal Highway Association, congestion on the motorway network has cost American drivers 7.8 billion from $ in 2004; from PL to idle during 243 million hours (LTL 322, p. 6). Of course, this under-investment is not an evil typically American, but it is all economies, developed or not. And everything indicates that the problem will get worse... Unless governments address clearly and frontal manner the question of the improvements in transport infrastructure.

In cargo, corporate investments represent 45 of revenues

However, rail freight, so-called "of class I" companies (the major companies), will spend this year over $ 8 billion from $ in laying track, equipment purchases and other infrastructure improvements, has just announced the AAR (Association of American Railways). Capital expenditures budget is up 21 in 2005 and beat the previous record for spending in infrastructure. "These massive investments will result in employment, increased productivity for rail freight companies and thus by additional capabilities and better service to customers" said P - dg AAR, Edward Hamberger.

Is notable: rail freight surpasses all other industries in the us in terms of capital intensity. The railways have been averaged 17.8 of their income in investment spending, between 1995 and 2004 (up from 3.5 to manufacturing industries). However, according to the Federal State, rail freight in the USA will grow by more than 66 by 2020. For Edward Hamberger, these investments are the necessary share of an ongoing effort to track the projected growth in traffic. Between 1980 and 2005, the class I companies capital expenditure exceeded 120 billion from $ as 10 to 12 billion more per year for the maintenance of the infrastructure and equipment (i.e. 45 of operating income). In the end, the total expenditure roughly 360 billion $. q

Please note. Eight railway companies of class 1 are national, against 35 regional and local 77. It conducted 33 billion from $ in 2003.