REPOST: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew
The Logistics of Logistics Podcast
Release Date: 07/03/2025
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REPOST: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail with Martin Lew
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info_outlineMartin Lew and Joe Lynch discuss beyond the tracks: the next frontier of American rail. Martin is CEO at Commtrex, a tech-enabled rail logistics provider with a team of experienced rail professionals, an extensive network of partners, and a best-in-class technology platform that simplifies the movement of freight and creates a competitive advantage.
About Martin Lew
Martin Lew is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Commtrex, the largest tech-enabled logistics platform in North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) for shippers to directly connect with railroads, transloaders, storage facilities, lessors, rail service providers, warehouses, and industry data. Under Lew’s leadership, Commtrex has been named to the Freightwaves FreightTech 100 and has established partnerships with all seven class 1 railroads. Prior to Commtrex, Mr. Lew was the Head of Global Sales and Origination for Mabanaft Coal Trading, Vice President and Head of Origination for J.P.Morgan’s Coal and Environmental Markets Group, Associate for the North American Coal and Emissions Trading Desk at Bear Stearns, and CEO of Equate Systems. Mr. Lew holds a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree with majors in Communications and Political Science from the University of Southern California.
About Commtrex
Commtrex simplifies the movement of freight by rail with a tech-enabled platform that connects a network of reputable railroads, transloaders, lessors, and other rail service providers across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Commtrex’s data-driven approach provides the rail and transload industry with visibility and connectivity that significantly accelerates the amount of time it takes for shippers to procure the services needed to manage their freight by rail. With a community of 4,000+ active members, including over 1,900 shippers, and partnerships with all six Class I Railroads, Commtrex stands at the forefront of the industry. Discover more at www.commtrex.com.
Key Takeaways: Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail
- Rail freight industry is exploring innovations like longer trains, digitization, cleaner energy, and inland terminals to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
- Rail transportation is suitable for high-volume freight over long distances, typically 500-600 miles or more, with a minimum volume equivalent to four to eight truckloads.
- Railroads move freight in two primary components: intermodal (containers on flatcars) and carload/merchandise commodities.
- Rail transportation enables efficient, low-carbon freight movement, reducing emissions by 75% compared to trucking.
- Trucking goods by rail instead of road has sustainability advantages and helps address the shortage of long-haul truck drivers.
- Commtrex is a platform connecting rail shippers with service providers across the US, Canada, and Mexico, providing visibility and facilitating communication.
- Short-line railroads transport freight from Class 1 railroads to the final destination, often using transloading facilities for last-mile delivery.
- The freight visibility platform Commtrex assists shippers in locating facilities and services required for rail transportation.
- Rail freight provides cost savings, sustainability benefits, and supply chain diversification/flexibility for shippers moving commodities or bulk goods.
- Commtrex connect shippers, logistics providers, railroads, facilitating rail freight growth to support nearshoring and environmental goals.
Timestamps
(00:00:02) Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail
(00:00:35) Commtrex Platform
(00:02:10) Rail Fit and Economics
(00:03:07) Martin's Background
(00:12:28) Rail Freight Movement
(00:18:00) Houston Rail Hub
(00:21:50) Freight Movement by Rail
(00:24:40) Commtrex Marketplace
(00:30:32) Visibility for Shippers
(00:33:18) Short Line Railroads
(00:34:36) Commtrex Search Visibility
(00:40:45) Educating Freight Brokers
(00:46:00) Rail as an Option
(00:50:17) Podcast Promotion
Learn More About Beyond the Tracks: The Next Frontier of American Rail
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