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 Class I’s have reached 100% compliance with three of the five categories required to reach full implementation.
The Port of Charleston reports its busiest July for vehicles handled.
Intermodal volumes actually grew year-over-year.
The railway hopes to build its intermodal presence in the East and bolster the network serving Toronto, Montreal and the U.S. Midwest.
Some volumes have been diverted to the Port of Halifax and other East Coast ports.
Although the order volume for new railcars could be “lumpy” industry-wide, the railcar manufacturer hopes to take advantage of increased inquiries.
The unions filed a lawsuit against the Class I railroads, saying the railroads refuse to discuss changes to certain healthcare benefit provisions during the collective bargaining process.
The COVID-19 pandemic dented BNSF’s profits and lowered rail volumes in the second quarter.
PayCargo has become a force in the online payment of freight transportation bills and now offers coronavirus-impacted shippers and forwarders credit lines to smooth their cash flow.
Arbitrators determined that KCS has the ability to use its Mexican crew members instead of its U.S.-based crews on a nine-mile stretch between the U.S. border and the Laredo rail yard.
Even as trucking jobs rose, rail jobs declined
The short line operator is working with local economic development commissions to develop rail-ready sites for industrial use.
U.S. carloads fall nearly 18%, although intermodal traffic slipped by only 1%.
Multipurpose marine terminal operator Enstructure says the purchase of Ambassador Services in Port Canaveral establishes its presence in U.S. Southeast.
Federal government asked to contribute $3 billion to cover projected losses.
The rule outlines seven ways to determine whether a shipper is facing market dominance, or a situation in which shippers have limited rail shipping options. But the effectiveness of the new rule remains to be seen, some say.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission found during its Fact Finding 29 investigation that the Port of New York and New Jersey showed supply chain resolve during the coronavirus pandemic.
Technology’s footprint in CSX’s operational, sustainability and safety practices was readily apparent, according to the company’s 2019 environmental, social and governance report.
Jim Blaze explores the state of the major railroads that operate in Mexico – particularly Kansas City Southern, which is rumored to be a takeover target.
The railroad’s California police force will not ask for the immgiration status of those it comes across on its network.
