Railroad

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 photograph of a train on a railway track. There is snow on the ground and an apartment building in the background.

Joanna Marsh Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Canadian National’s fourth-quarter net income falls 23.6%

The railway cited the labor strike and weak freight demand in lower fourth-quarter profits.

A photograph of a train with tall mountains in the background.

Joanna Marsh Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Canadian Pacific, Teamsters have sharply diverging reactions to train accident documentary

The railway and the rail union respond to a CBC documentary about a fatal February 2019 train accident.

A photograph of a train hauling railcars on a railway track.

Joanna Marsh Friday, January 24, 2020

Union Pacific seeks to eke out efficiencies

The railroad eyes slight volume growth in 2020 amid plans for longer trains and reduced headcount.

Todd Maiden Thursday, January 23, 2020

Jet engines bolster earnings at railcar lessor GATX

Spare aircraft engine dispositions stave off weakened demand for railcars in North America.

Joanna Marsh Thursday, January 23, 2020

US rail volumes still sluggish

Year-to-date U.S. rail traffic is 7.8% lower compared with the same period in 2019.

A photograph of railroad employees working on a railroad track.

Joanna Marsh Thursday, January 23, 2020

US Class I rail headcount tumbles

Employment levels at the U.S. operations of the Class I railroads hit their lowest point in years, according to data from the Surface Transportation Board.

A photograph of a locomotive and intermodal containers.

Joanna Marsh Thursday, January 23, 2020

Union Pacific fourth-quarter net profit slips 10%

Net income falls in the fourth quarter amid a decline in operating revenue and a decrease in rail volumes.

A photograph of a container vessel sailing into a shipping channel at a port. There are cranes at the dock and hundreds of container boxes sitting on land.

Joanna Marsh Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Freight transportation stakeholders grapple with big uncertainties

Geopolitical tides, e-commerce and technology are today’s “disruptors” in freight transportation, say panelists at Transportation Research Board convention.

Jim Blaze Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Commentary: Is saving coal a fool’s errand?

Railroad expert Jim Blaze writes about coal, a key commodity hauled by rail. The amount of coal being hauled by rail is declining. Why? And what does the future hold?

A photograph of a tank car and some railcars at a grain elevator.

Joanna Marsh Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Grain groups in Canada want assurances for rail option

Organizations may lobby Parliament to declare rail service an essential service so that access remains available during events such as labor strikes.

A photograph of a train on railway track.

Frank N. Wilner Monday, January 20, 2020

Haverty factor fueled rail trade growth: Railway Age

Kansas City Southern can attribute its growth in cross-border traffic to a former president, a Railway Age essay says.

FreightWaves Staff Saturday, January 18, 2020

This Week in SONAR: Rail and Next Day Rack Price Data!

The latest features in SONAR 5.0 make it the most future-focused version to date.

Joanna Marsh Friday, January 17, 2020

Kansas City Southern optimistic about 2020

Service improvements will help grow rail volumes and revenue, the company said during its fourth-quarter earnings call Friday.

Jim Blaze Friday, January 17, 2020

Commentary: What is the long-term outlook for rail carloads?

Jim Blaze explores the decline of railroad freight volume and what may happen going forward.

A photograph of a train hauling tank cars in winter. There is snow on the ground.

Joanna Marsh Friday, January 17, 2020

CSX eyes flat to lower revenue in 2020

Coal declines and a still sluggish industrial economy could put pressure on revenue this year. Still, CSX sees upside potential for intermodal and merchandise volumes.

A photograph of a train traveling through a town at night.

Joanna Marsh Friday, January 17, 2020

Kansas City Southern net profit slips in fourth quarter

Net profit for Kansas City Southern (NYSE: KSU) slipped in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared to the prior year, but revenues were 5% higher amid increases for chemicals and petroleum and industrial and consumer products. Fourth-quarter net income was $127.2 million, or $1.30 diluted earnings per share, compared with $161.1 million, or $1.59 diluted […]