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!
Rebuilding after hurricane damage and rerouting around a Baltimore tunnel project cost CSX a million dollars a day in lost revenue in the first quarter, a company executive told an investor conference.
David Fink, President Trump’s nominee to oversee rail safety in the U.S., was questioned Tuesday about his own safety record as former head of a railroad.
Union Pacific President Beth Whited will step down to an adviser role after 37 years at the railroad.
BNSF has laid off a number of workers as it restructures its technology operations.
The Association of American Railroads is asking the Trump administration to repeal a Biden-era rule requiring two-person train crews.
Railcar builder FreightCar America said net income was $50.4 million on revenue of $96.3 million in the first quarter.
Volumes by carload at Grupo Mexico’s transportation division fell 6.1% in the first quarter, including declines of 21% in automotive traffic and 20% in minerals traffic.
Pricing gains and volume growth spurred BNSF Railway to modestly higher first-quarter profits.
Carload volumes for North American railroads are still running ahead of year-ago levels.
Most major railroads maintained their 2025 outlooks even amid worries about trade and the economy.
Canadian National saw 8% earnings growth and had an improved operating ratio in the first quarter.
CN said cost control and disciplined operations helped it to better revenue and profits in the first quarter.
The latest heritage unit to join Union Pacific’s fleet honors Abraham Lincoln, who enabled the building of the transcontinental railroad.
CPKC CEO Keith Creel says the railroad, which reported higher revenue and profits for the first quarter, is “off to a strong start” for the year.
New legislation would upgrade a federal tax credit short line railroads depend on for infrastructure spending.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City said earnings rose on higher revenue and increased freight on its network.
Shortline rail operator Maine Switching Services has signed a lease agreement to restart operations on a coastal Maine branch line.
Freight carriers are pressuring Congress and the Trump administration to address the rise in “strategic” cargo theft.
Supply chain businesses ranging from rail to trucking to warehousing saw layoffs and bankruptcies throughout April, as tariffs and other economic factors slam freight markets.
The Surface Transportation Board will decide whether Union Pacific is blocking rival BNSF from accessing a Utah logistics park.
