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 Norfolk Southern train derailed in Pennsylvania on Saturday amid an already heated battle over railroad safety issues. Here’s the latest.
BNSF Railway reportedly furloughed hundreds of mechanical department workers at train yards in 4 states.
A case in Illinois involving BNSF Railway and a federal law on biometric information privacy has its settlement figure: $75 million.
Fastfrate Group has renewed a long-term agreement with CPKC to provide intermodal and drayage services in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Dockworkers are fully prepared to swap pallet jacks for picket signs come October.
Georgia Ports Authority said it handled 428,000 containers and 65,400 roll-on, roll-off units in January.
J.B. Hunt said Thursday it will buy Walmart’s intermodal assets and that the two companies entered a multiyear agreement that will bring more shipments to J.B. Hunt’s network.
Norfolk Southern’s board said it maintains an “ongoing process” of board refreshment.
Teamsters Canada said negotiations with Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City have stalled over issues of pay and working conditions.
Ancora Holdings Group proposes that a former top UPS executive become Norfolk Southern’s CEO.
The Georgia Ports Authority sets export record in 2023; the Alabama Port Authority and CSX partner to launch an intermodal facility; and the Port of Cleveland receives $32 million for upgrades.
Former President Donald Trump is lashing out at President Joe Biden ahead of Biden’s scheduled trip to East Palestine, Ohio, saying the president waited too long to visit the site of a train derailment.
A CSX worker was killed Tuesday in North Carolina when he was hit by moving equipment.
Retired rail workers in Mexico created blockades at border crossings in Arizona and Texas on Wednesday, seeking severance pay and benefits from Mexican authorities.
The Federal Railroad Administration is warning rail workers about the dangers of rolling stock following the death of a Norfolk Southern worker last week in Alabama.
A rise in Chinese imports indicates seasonal trends are playing out as usual, very much unlike 2023’s anemic performance.
Federal investigators plan to release the cause of last year’s Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, this summer.
A recent round of U.S. and British strikes raise fresh questions about the impact of container shipping in the Red Sea.
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An investigation is underway after a Norfolk Southern train engineer died this week after being hit by a train in Decatur, Alabama.
