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!
The Port of Los Angeles is poised to reap the benefits of Union Pacific’s acquisition of Norfolk Southern, its top executive says.
Schneider National said Thursday it needs more information before weighing in on the potential fallout from a Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger.
The activist investor that helped spur the historic Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern deal is building a position in CSX.
Ancora built its position in Norfolk Southern in 2023 and 2024.
Canadian National, one of two transcontinental railroads in Canada, expressed support for the proposed coast-to-coast merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
Intermodal, coal, and grain helped Canadian Pacific Kansas City to improved profits in the second quarter.
The proposed acquisition creates the first transcontinental freight railroad.
Eliminating interchange should make rail a more attractive option for shippers in nation’s midsection, George and Vena tell analysts
Shippers wary of higher rates, service issues with one entity controlling 52,000 miles of track.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern announced a merger that will create the first transcontinental railroad with an enterprise value of more than $250 billion.
Norfolk Southern, which announced an historic merger with Union Pacific, said earnings rose 5% in Q2 as volume grew by 3%.
Amtrak would lose government-backed preference in legislation seeking faster freight service.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern could announce a merger as early as next week, according to a published report.
New domestic lanes expand intermodal service from the West Coast through the Midwest to Texas.
Following news of the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern talks, the Surface Transportation Board has published a resource guide to rail mergers.
The State of Freight for July looked at what a few key SONAR indices are saying about the market.
Union Pacific saw record results in the fourth quarter as coal shipments led gains across business segments.
Union Pacific reported higher profits on improved freight volumes and a one-time tax gain.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern on Thursday confirmed that they are in advanced discussions regarding a merger.
Carload freight and intermodal volumes ran ahead of year ago levels, according to the latest weekly rail data.
