After using our proprietary processes CRCS and Waybill Tools to analyze railroad costs and identify target rates, we assist our clients in using this information to negotiate competitive rates for each of their shipping lanes. We also negotiate and draft other favorable shipping terms for our clients such as a 60% return rate on empty return shipments, railcar storage yard provisions, railroad penalties for missing targeted transit times, and extended payment terms.  These provisions are memorialized in a long term, renewable transportation contract.  Commonwealth combines high level legal and technical expertise to draft unassailable contract terms which ensure that our clients receive the full benefit of low rates and other valuable services for the life of the contract.      

Commonwealth consultants have long established relationships with every Class I railroad and have negotiated numerous transportation contracts with each, along with many short line railroads.  Not only is Commonwealth experienced in dealing with all varieties of railroads, we have also negotiated custom contracts on behalf of many diverse and unique shippers including large multinational companies.   Commonwealth takes an individualized approach to each contract negotiation, tailoring targets and goals to our client’s specific needs.  Commonwealth drafts contracts which differ markedly from the standard railroad form agreement which many shippers resign to accept.  We craft custom contracts based on each shipper’s distinctive needs using decades of experience in the rail shipping industry to create favorable provisions for our clients and synergies for both parties.