The Tennessee Shortline Alliance was formed in 1990 to provide a forum for the exchange of information among the Shortline railroad operators and their respective Authorities that operated in various parts of the state. Further to that objective was to present information about our industry and its vital economic importance to the Tennessee legislature, government agencies and the Tennessee public at large. As congestion increases on Tennessee’s Interstates and secondary highways causing pollution and accidents to increase it is instructive and important to understand the role Tennessee’s Shortline Railroads play in the historic and contemporary movement of freight to and from the State’s vital industries. It is estimated that in 2001 nearly 4,000,000 Tons originated or terminated by Shortline railroads at Tennessee industries. This has kept over 170,000 trucks, annually, off the highways which clearly could not handle that volume safely and efficiently, especially in view of this traffic having its highest incidence on rural roads and secondary highways. Investment in and understanding of the Shortline railroad industry will allow them to maintain and expand their important role as a vital part of Tennessee transportation and the economic growth and well being of the State and its citizens.