State Historical Society of Iowa

"Compare... Cargo Capacity" Infographic, February 25, 2019

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Infographic showing the volume cargo capacity and the equivalent units of semi-trucks, rail cars, and barges.
Courtesy of Iowa DOT, "Compare... Cargo Capacity," Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), 25 February 2019

Description

This infographic was produced by the Iowa Department of Transportation in 2016 to show the volume of cargo capacity and the equivalent units of semi-trucks, rail cars and barges. For example, one 15-barge tow can haul the same amount of grain as 1,050 semi-truck trailers or 216 rail cars. 

Transcript of "Compare... Cargo Capacity" Infographic

Source-Dependent Questions

  • How many semi-truck loads of corn fit into one railcar?
  • In order to load a 15-barge tow, how many semi-trucks would be needed?
  • What are some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of using rail lines opposed to trucks?

Citation Information 

"Compare... Cargo Capacity," Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), 25 February 2019. Courtesy of Iowa DOT