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Vermont Railway Inc. in early May launched a "VIPZ" program to offer shippers 53-foot intermodal trailers.


The 127-mile short line plans to make the trailers available as pool equipment to CSX Transportation, Florida East Coast Railway and third-party logistics providers. The railroad also would continue to offer 45- and 48-foot trailers.


"As a short line, we need to stay nimble to survive," said Vermont Railway President David Wulfson in a prepared statement. "Working with Class I railroads to be the first to offer a 53-foot intermodal rail pool trailer is the way to stay ahead in this tough market and grow in a sluggish economy."


To better handle customers' needs, Vermont Railway's intermodal division during the past year also implemented a new program, which included retiring older equipment, restructuring terminal operations, and adding customer-service and technology personnel to deal with customers, rail carriers and repair vendors.


Vermont Railway, which operates an international intermodal trailer fleet with terminals in Chicago, Memphis, Tenn., and St Louis, is one of five short lines owned and operated by Vermont Rail System Co.