Pipelines stretch across the country, bringing crude oil from one region to another, but trains are now being used to move oil, too.

Fuel Fix reports that rail transport can help refineries get less expensive oil from producers, while pipelines limit the areas to which oil is taken.

Trains are efficient for hauling crude oil from Canada to the U.S., especially since the oil has to be thinned before moving through pipelines. With rail, the oil can be thinned as it travels from one place to another.

As more oil companies consider adding rail transport, concerns arise. If an accident occurred, the volume of oil spilled from railcars would be much less than if a pipeline leaked. Conversely, rail accidents can be much more detrimental to people than a pipeline leak.

Via: Fuel Fix > Logistics exec says rail trumps pipelines