Non-export Phosphate traffic

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Hi, I was just wondering if anyone had any information on phosphate moves originating in the Bone Valley but not destined to the ports. I remember reading in the Trains Magazine article "Wet Rock, Dry Rock, and the Seaboard" (May '84 if I recall correctly) that there was a small percentage of such moves. I'd like to incorporate a run-through unit phosphate train into my basement operations but need to know destinations for the trains, and more importantly what types of freight equipment SCL used for the service circa 1980-84. Any help appreciated, many thanks in advance!

George Widener WC Engineer

-- George Widener (pullin4u@new.rr.com), October 27, 2000

Answers

Hi George. I know that companies like PCS Phosphate use them in there own system. In fact, they own some covered hoppers to move the stuff. They ship it to firtelizer(hope I spelled that right) plants along with ammonia. I'm sure there are other uses for it but thats one thing I'm sure of.

-- J.W. Castine (MultivortexF5@hotmail.com), December 29, 2002.

In answer to your question, CSX uses both system and privatly owned jumbo covered hoppers in their "interior" phosphate moves. These unit trains (designated as "K" trains) usually went up through Chicago, NAshville, Memphis, etc to connect with another carrier. These cars carried DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) 18-36-0, which was combined to reduce the strength of the mix. It can really grow things, needed lots of water. You may be also interested to know that several of these "K" train moves were molten sulphur, or Sulfuric Acid destined to a local processing Plant in the BV.

-- walt rogers (wjriii@gte.net), April 11, 2001.

I'm pretty sure Southern States Coop and maybe former FCX took phosphate cars. The traffic manager I know is out of town, but when he gets back I will check with him. Also I remember delivering a product to drop solids from water to the former Estech mine there. That was a domestic company.

-- Tommy Arthur (tommy@arthurtransport.com), October 31, 2000.

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