The predicted date and time at which a railcar or intermodal shipment is expected to arrive at its destination, based on current location, train plan, and historical performance data. ETAs are published through railroad customer portals and EDI transactions. Predictive ETA models increasingly use machine learning to improve accuracy.
The process of locating a specific railcar by querying the railroad's information system or the industry-wide Railinc car location network. Car traces provide current location, status, and estimated arrival information. Shippers use car traces to plan unloading schedules and manage inventory.
The computer-to-computer exchange of standardized business documents between railroads, shippers, and logistics providers using ANSI X12 transaction sets. Common rail EDI transactions include the 404 (rail shipment), 410 (freight invoice), 417 (rate inquiry), and 418 (rate reply). EDI is the foundational data exchange standard for the North American rail industry.
The use of machine learning models, historical performance data, real-time train location, and network condition information to generate more accurate arrival time predictions for railcars and intermodal shipments. Predictive ETA models outperform schedule-based estimates by accounting for actual network conditions and train plan changes. Improved ETA accuracy enables better inventory management and customer service.
An internal railroad document derived from the bill of lading that travels with or ahead of a car and contains all information needed to route, classify, and deliver the shipment. The waybill is the operational document used by railroad employees to handle a car through the system. It may be electronic in modern railroad IT systems.