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!
Despite being stymied by labor shortages and lack of equipment such as chassis in the second half of 2021, U.S. intermodal volumes were actually pretty high considering the yearly total.
Canadian Pacific and CSX want to show federal regulators and the broader public that they have widespread support for their proposed acquisitions.
Infrastructure and capacity expansion projects, regulatory uncertainties and progress toward supply chain visibility and sustainability are the themes that rail and intermodal stakeholders have set their sights on in 2022.
Alabama officials announced plans for the A-USA Corridor, a $231.6 million program of rail projects to upgrade rail infrastructure throughout the state.
Stoughton Trailers was one of five companies that pressed for unfair trade practice rulings against China that led to massive duties.
Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern submit a plan to regulators detailing how they will merge their operations.
The two eastern U.S. railroads want the Surface Transportation Board to maintain its identity as an independent arbitrator as it decides whether to permit Amtrak to restore Gulf Coast service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans.
FreightWaves writers look at the most important issues on their beats heading into the new year.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. No injuries occurred as a result of the incident, CSX said.
Several rail shippers had asked the Surface Transportation Board to temporarily suspend a proceeding on a voluntary arbitration program for small rate disputes, but the board denied that request.
In this Q&A interview, FreightWaves chats with two CN executives about what customer benefits might arise from a seven-year partnership with Google Cloud.
Twenty-five port projects in 19 states are receiving U.S. Maritime Administration grants aimed at bolstering port infrastructure.
Canadian Pacific inks a potash contract while CN’s British Columbia operations are nearly back to normal.
From M&A to supply chain disruptions, the freight rail industry navigated an often unpredictable 2021.
U.S. utilities are facing record low coal stockpiles, and network congestion on the rails is only adding to the stress.
The pilot program in Chicago and Kansas City aims to encourage trucks to come — and go — with a shipping container.
The end of 2021 brings the confirmation of a Surface Transportation Board member and approvals of short line requests.
The railroad veteran removed himself from consideration over the weekend.
Auxo Investment Partners explains rationale for why it chose to invest in rail service providers.
New York City has released several blueprints on its freight future during the de Blasio administration.
