as I recall, transformers were often shipped (to major destinations, usual for that size equipment) via rail.
Less rail > more trucks on the highways > more need for highway maintenance > higher taxes
eta: the Ry companies are partly to blame, they don't like single-car shipments anymore (de-regulation), they greatly prefer unit trains of containers, grains, lumber, other similar shipments.
Rails have seen major gains in profitability due partly to smaller crew sizes, reduced maintenance due to CWR, CTC, Distributed Power, etc. Railroading is considerably different now as compared to the 60s!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/10/2021 02:23AM by GNPE.