[Rodamala]

In operations, tonnage rules.

Manifest trains ordinarily have Loads and Empties. Power assignments are dependent upon tonnage, ruling grade and track speed (HP for speed, Tractive Effort for grade)... want more of any, you need more locomotives.

From a planning, and economic development standpoint if you want to see trends, "carloadings" works... generally speaking, the average loaded railcar weighs 286,000 pounds.

[thackney]

Thanks for that perspective.

I would have expected while tonnage is important for locomotive needs, number of cars is a greater impact in the loadings, sidings and handling times.