PBI representatives indicated they enjoy excellent service from FNM and Mexican
customs. FNM is informed 70 hours before barges arrive. On arrival PBI forms the train using
its two switching engines. The train is then handed over to FNM for transit to the receivers.
PBI is developing a satellite tracking system to track cars on the FNM system.

 In its initial phases, PBI has limited the service to grain haulage. However, it foresees
expanding into perishables. Burlington Northern has approximately 1500 mechanically
refrigerated railcars which could be employed, as well as refrigerated containers and TOFC.
PBI representatives estimate that there may be demand for as much as 30 cars per week for
Bananas from Coatzacoalcos. They speculated that pork bellies and other meats might be used
for southbound movements of refrigerated equipment.

 In mid-1994, PBI terminated operations indefinitely.


 SEATRUCK

 Seatruck is a door-to-door road-maritime service between Galveston in the U.S. and, in
Mexico, the Ports of Veracruz and Coatzacoalcos. Roll on/roll off ships are used to move over-
the-road trailers between the ports. Motor carriers provide drayage to (from) the receivers
(shippers). In its initial phase, the Sea Truck vessel is travelling weekly between Galveston and
Veracruz and every second trip also calls at Coatzacoalcos Each vessel can carry 105 45 foot
trailers. The firm eventually hopes to have several vessels operating along this route.

 Typical trip times follow:

 Dwell and loading time in Galveston: 1 day
 Galveston to Veracruz: 2 days
 Offload and dwell time in Veracruz: 1/2 day
 Veracruz to Coatzacoalcos: 1/2 days
 Offload and dwell time in Coatzacoalcos: 1/2 day
 TOTAL GALVESTON TO COATZACOALCOS: 3 1/2 days
 Coatzacoalcos to Galveston: 2 days
 Offload and dwell in Galveston: 1/2 day
 TOTAL ROUNDTRIP: 6 days


 The use of roll on/roll off ships, rather than barges, provides for an extremely rapid
 service.