Rail network redesign

Tanker Cars

Projects within the ExxonMobil Chemical Polyolefins business unit are increasing the efficiency of rail shipments and creating a more sustainable supply chain.

Network optimization
Direct deliveries of product in rail cars increased from 27 percent in 2005 to 42 percent in 2008. This decreased the trips to rail storage yards by more than 5,000 in 2007 and 2008, which in turn decreased the distance products traveled. In addition, the increased efficiency enabled 80 cars to be taken off the tracks over this period.

  • Product transportation was reduced by up to 1,000 miles per trip.
  • Diesel fuel consumption has been reduced by more than 316,000 gallons, the equivalent of removing about 585 cars from U.S. roads.

Production rebalancing
The production of polyethylene products at plants in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, and Beaumont, Texas, was shifted to better align with customer locations.

  • More than 144,000 miles per year of travel and 322 metric tons of CO2-equivalent emissions were eliminated; equal to removing about 55 cars from the road.