This paper investigates the reduction in logistics costs and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions which can be induced by shifting freight from road to rail, focusing on inter-regional surface freight convoys carrying manufactured goods. The article provides a summary analysis of the areas served by rail freight terminals, the relationships between, regions and a target rail corridor in the light of the rail freight sector's present situation in Japan. Using competitiveness criteria for rail freight based on expense analysis models, the distribution of shipped freight suitable for carriage by rail within the influential area of various terminals in each region is determined for the target corridor. Finally, with the help of a case study we determine the effectiveness of moving freight by rail in terms of reducing logistics costs and CO₂ emissions on the target corridor.