Railroad

Railroads continue to play a significant role in North America’s economic infrastructure. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration, the U.S. rail freight network covers almost 140,000 route miles and is generally considered the largest, safest, and most cost-efficient freight system in the world. In addition, says the FRA, the almost $80 billion rail freight industry creates more than 167,000 jobs across the country.

In essence, rail freight companies charge businesses to carry cargo across their network of rails. Their rates are overseen by the Surface Transportation Board, a federal agency that regulates financial aspects of surface transportation. Major railroads in North America include Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, CSX, Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National Railway.

Keep up with the latest news, trends and reports concerning rail freight transport here!

A photograph of railcar wheels on a track.

Joanna Marsh Friday, October 25, 2019

Record quarterly revenue boosts Greenbrier’s profits

The rail equipment manufacturer said it delivered record railcar deliveries in the quarter.

Joanna Marsh Thursday, October 24, 2019

Slump persists for North American rail volumes

Rail volumes fell yet again and the industry is casting its doubts about the fourth quarter.

Joanna Marsh Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Canadian Pacific reports record-low operating ratio

The railway also earned record third-quarter revenue.

John Kingston Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Knight Swift said its earnings would be weak; actual numbers back that up

Intermodal was a particularly weak spot; OR at Swift a concern to Deutsche

Joanna Marsh Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Norfolk Southern confident it can reach 2021 operating ratio target – UPDATE

Further operational efficiencies will push the railroad to its target, the company said.

Mark Solomon Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Railroads face major challenges to jump-start their intermodal business

Railroads face an uphill battle in elevating their intermodal business.

Joanna Marsh Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Canadian National sees third-quarter profit amid headwinds

Despite lowering its operating ratio, the railroad tempers its 2019 outlook.

Jim Blaze Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Commentary: CSX offers the first trip compliance reporting

Jim Blaze explains the new CSX trip compliance reporting… perhaps the first step for railroads to compete more effectively with the trucking industry.

Joanna Marsh Tuesday, October 22, 2019

GATX wonders if slowdown is on the horizon – UPDATE

The rail equipment manufacturer sees high utilization rate but says economy faces uncertainty.

Joanna Marsh Monday, October 21, 2019

Moody’s sees ‘significant’ drops in Powder River Basin coal production

Coal production in the region could fall significantly in 2020, affecting rail volumes.

John Gallagher Friday, October 18, 2019

DOT rolls out “freedom gas” rail plan

LNG export proposal immediately slammed by Democrat lawmakers.

Chris Dupin Friday, October 18, 2019

Port Report: Long Beach moves record number of containers in September

The Port of Long Beach saw a slide in container volumes arrested in September and hopes to attract more cargo with incentives.

Joanna Marsh Friday, October 18, 2019

Kansas City Southern optimistic about its future

Company eyes cross-border volume growth and efficiency improvements.

John Kingston Friday, October 18, 2019

FreightWaves Radio preview: a roundtable on precision railroading

A wide-ranging roundtable discussion on the implementation of precision railroading will highlight FreightWaves Radio on SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking the weekend of Oct. 19-20. The show will bring together two independent observers of the rail industry: John Schmitter, with the firm of KEP LLC, will be joined by longtime rail economist and writer Jim Blaze […]