SP on rc car shortages

1n spite of a gradually improvI ing situation in railroad car supply, availability of flatcan is likely to stay tight throughout the summer, a top Southem Pacific Railroad spokesman recently told The Merchant Magazine tn an exclusive interview.

A reoccurrence of the car shortage was described as 'unlikely" as the present situation was caused mainly by two harsh winten in a row; coal strikes which affected car supply and utilization; the recession of 1974-75, which had an impact on acquisition of motive power, cars and maintenance; and the formation of Conrail, all among factors which disrupted the flow of cars. Even healthy carriers, such as Southem Pacific, felt the effects of this series of disruptions. '

Top railroad officials feel that new