I need to know the national recent average customer cost of shipping
by rail per mile for 1 ton, and the "tipping point" from truck hauling
to rail hauling.  The tipping point is the amount at which it is more
economical to ship by rail than truck.  I need citations and year if
possible. I need this information by Feb. 20, 2004

The railroads may practice price fixing with the blessings of
government agencies and courts, but I think small truckers frequently
charge less than the usual shipping charge, depending somewhat on the
value and other characteristics of the cargo. So the tiping point
would vary conciderably. Insurance, garenteed delivery dates, record
of reliability, and a host of other factors are some times applicable
is my guess. Unless the shipping point and the customer are on a
railroad spur, how to you evaluate the need to load a truck, unload
the truck at the train depot, then the reverse at the destination? 
Neil