In promoting the deal, the so-called Oracle of Omaha insisted that the business of moving things like food, sources of energy, autos, agricultural products and other stuff consumed by consumers and businesses will grow during the next 10, 20, 30 years.

In an interview with USA TODAY, Buffett stresses that the rail industry is modern indeed. He trumpets the ability of railroads to move goods from Point A to Point B more efficiently and more environmentally friendly than the fuel-guzzling 18-wheelers that clog the nation's already overcrowded highways.

"The rail business is actually in tune with the future," Buffett says. "Trains move goods using far less fuel than alternatives."

470 miles a gallon

In typical Buffett fashion, the shrewd investor has done his homework, and rattles off facts about railroads with the same confidence he displays when talking about price-earnings ratios or how he values businesses.

"Burlington Northern Santa Fe last year moved, on average, a ton of goods 470 miles on a single gallon of diesel, and society has an enormous interest in using less oil to transport goods," Buffett says.

Indeed, Buffett very much likes the green component to his rail investment, likening it to an energy-saving play.

"Each train displaces 280 trucks on the road," Buffett says. "When it comes to spewing pollutants there is nothing more efficient than trains. It is very much in line with the future goals of society. While the railroads won't take over the world it is something that is part of the future."

The deal with Burlington Northern was struck in a super-quick 15 minutes early last week after a meeting with the railroad's CEO Matthew Rose. And while it might seem downright scary to commit tens of billions of dollars in such a short time span, Buffett stresses that he finished his research on the company a long time ago. Prior to the deal, Berkshire Hathaway already owned a nearly 25% stake in the railroad.