NEWSLETTER - TEALINC TOUCHBASE - 2005 December 2005 - Economy Continues to Boom; Cost of Money Continues to Rise AAR Proposed Changes to Extend Railcar Life from 50 to 65 Years New Orders in the Metal Industry Surpass Those In 2004 Federals Funds Rate Forecasted to Top 4.75% In April 2006 November 2005 - Rail Car Loadings of All Commodities Continue to Show Overall Strength In Spite of Hurricanes, September Rail Traffic Up Need to Rebuild Coal Supplies Expected to Keep Coal Prices Firm Prime Rate Expected to Climb to 6.75 Percent and Stay Constant through February 2006 October 2005 - Demand Created by Katrina Adversely Effects Transportation Market Major Railroads Serving the Gulf Coast Continue to Repair and Restore Railroad Productivity Up 200%; Rates Decreased 60% Since 1980 Balanced Risk Makes Sense In Rail Transportation Decisions September 2005 - Class I's May Capitalize on Katrina BNSF Re-establish 52-Car Unit Wheat Train Production of Stone, Gravel, Aggregates Up Compared to 2004 Prime Rate Expected to Rise to 7% by January 2006 August 2005 - Strong Demand for Rail Transportation to Continue Coal Price Increase; Transportation Expected Culprit Railroads Tweaking Fleets to Accomodate Increased Coal Demand & Supply Federal Funds Increase Expected to Continue July 2005 - Increased Efficiency=Better Service BNSF to Implement Fuel Surcharge Nations Demand for Cement Remains at Record Level Expect Federal Funds Rate Increases to Continue June 2005 - Transportation Strategy Driver Shortage Appears to be Long Term Trucking Issue Strong Canadian Dollar May Encourage Exports From The U.S. USDA Estimates Slightly Larger U.S. Wheat Crops May 2005 - Equipment Shortage Small Road Gains Led by Stone, Clay and Aggregate Cars Chinese Economy Continues to Wreck Havoc on U.S. Steel Prices Look for Continued Increase in The Prime Rate

Tealinc, Ltd.
Specializing in Rail Transportation Solutions
webmail@tealinc.com