文档介绍：In recent years, railroads have been combining with each other,
merging into supersystems, causing heightened concerns about monopoly.
As recently as 1995, the top four railroads accounted for ...
In recent years, railroads have been combining with each other,
merging into supersystems, causing heightened concerns about monopoly.
As recently as 1995, the top four railroads accounted for under 70
percent of the total ton-miles moved by rails. Next year, after a
series of mergers is completed, just four railroads will control well
over 90 percent of all the freight moved by major rail carriers。
Supporters of the new supersystems argue that these mergers will
allow for substantial cost reductions and better coordinated service.
Any threat of monopoly, they argue, is removed by fierce competition
from trucks. But many shippers complain that for heavy bulk
commodities traveling long distances, such as coal, chemicals, and
grain, trucking is too costly and the railroads therefore have them
by the throat。
The vast consolidation within the rail industry means that most
shippers are served by only one rail company. Railroads typically
charge such“captive”shippers 20 to 30 percent more than they do
when another railroad is competing for the business. Shippers who
feel they are being overcharged have the right to appeal to the
federal gov