The rating system doesn't matter because it's all relative. The buyer can easily do the arithmetic for their own situation. I agree that transportation cost-benefit analyses for the movement of freight must be more accurate for the determination for charge rates, but not for a purchaser of a vehicle.

As for canals, up here in the Great White North, they would only be useful 1/3 of the year if they were all downhill. Escher that.

Speaking of TGWN, I was asked yesterday what kinda fuel consumption I am getting with my new truck. "I dunno. Have to wait a while yet as it's just spring." Fact is, when it's minus freeze yer balls off, F or C or K, ya gotta let er warm up and that throws off the litREs/100km.