Today's train locomotives are already quite fuel efficient, especially compared to trucks. In fact, trains can haul one ton of goods an average of more than 480 miles on just a single gallon of fuel, making them 3-4 times more fuel efficient than trucks.
Large 4000 to 6000 HP mainline freight locos will usually have a 4000 to 5000 gallon fuel tank under the frame between the power trucks. How many miles per gallon does a train get? How far can a train go on a full tank of fuel? CSX trains, on average, can move a ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a gallon of fuel.
On average, a train car costs between $100,000 and $200,000. Some train cars may cost more or less than this depending on the factors mentioned above. When purchasing a train car, it is essential to compare prices from different sellers to get the best deal.
Loading of coal and water and incidental maintenance takes a steam locomotive about 1 hour. A diesel engine can be fueled from a pump in 10 minutes or so.