BNSF

through Flagstaff. Freight traffic is limited to 40mph; passenger trains to 45mph. An average of one hundred trains pass through Flag daily including the Amtrak Chief  running daily between Chicago and Los Angeles. Whenever we go to Flagstaff (abbreviated to Flag in Arizona) we have to cross this main line in Holbrook and have never once been unlucky (lucky?) enough to have to wait for a train to pass at the grade crossing (level crossing) there. On the way home from Flag I usually drive along old Rout 66 to Country Club, which bridges over the railroad, to join Interstate40. I changed my route and had to wait for a freight train. These engines where assisting in the middle of the consist composed entirely of ship containers many bearing the most familiar names in international shipping: Maersk, Sealand.

       I don't know what will happen once they reach Los Angeles and Long Beach harbours. Container ships are waiting for berths but where to put the containers? Logistical and very costly nightmare . . .