What factors have contributed to the decline in the volume of higher-value freight by the railroads? What changes, if any, could the railroads make to attract more highervalue freight from motor...

What factors have contributed to the decline in the volume of higher-value freight by the railroads? What changes, if any, could the railroads make to attract more highervalue freight from motor carriers?

Railroads have abandoned a significant number of miles of track (over 260,000 miles) since 1916. Why has this trend developed? Will it continue into the future? Why or why not?