It is a pity, because from the raw numbers trains are much less expensive then tracks.
Often, the flexibility and reduced latency of freight by truck is worth the increased per-mile cost.
Often, the flexibility and reduced latency of freight by truck is worth the increased per-mile cost.
We might just find out the things we thought are worth it, are not really. It works the other way around, too, of course, which is that the increased per-mile cost is still way below what it would have to be with the externalities accounted for.
Then give a concrete quantification of that. It's a very complex question. Entire careers have been built on how to price something complex. That's called "economics."
Less inventory is worth it because space is money, especially on a retail shelf.