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 bill introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) would allow Amtrak to sue freight railroads for not giving Amtrak preference on freight rail-owned track.
The terminal wants to be an alternative for those needing intermodal services to the U.S. West Coast.
Rail executives discussed short-term strategies for growing rail volumes amid expectations that volumes won’t pick up until well into 2020.
The railway seeks to extend its reach to non rail-served markets.
Transport Minister Marc Garneau insists that a deal between Candian National and Teamsters offers the best way to get trains moving again as walkout by 3,200 workers hits Canada’s supply chain and threatens the economy.
Moving to a fixed quarterly RFP program with brokers has added consistency, accuracy and reliability to Bumble Bee’s relationship with intermediaries
The railroad has completed the rollout of a cloud-based operational system.
The Blockchain in Transport Alliance announced it will participate in two blockchain proof-of-concept projects in the coming months. The organization’s working groups also provided updates on the progress of standards development at its BiTA Symposium Chicago on Nov. 14, 2019.
In two unrelated announcements on Nov. 20, CP lays out plans to deepen network capacity.
U.S. rail volumes continue to slip as rail executives see muted peak season.
The strike, coupled with and trade uncertainty, could hit businesses hard, groups say.
The Federal Railroad Administration is proposing all states address highway-rail grade crossing safety.
Remaining employees will complete the final order before decommissioning equipment at the facility.
The railway is confident that the momentum to deploy technology initiatives will continue.
Jim Blaze writes about the Alameda Corridor in Los Angeles, that takes some of the freight from the harbor to distribution centers. Is it still economically viable?
Federal minister urges Canadian National and Teamsters to reach agreement as walkout by 3,200 conductors, transpersons and yard workers continues.
Talks have been ongoing for seven months. Staffing levels appear to be a key issue.
The railway cited challenging economic headwinds and could release up to 1,600 employees.
The initiative is part of a broader push to limit diesel emissions from freight facilities.
U.S. rail volumes have been trending lower all year.
