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!
$2 billion in capex over the next ten years will nearly double Savannah’s container traffic to 8 million TEUs annually.
Just a few months after its CEO expressed some skepticism about the practice, the NAFTA-focused rail company will adopt its principles.
Intermodal is about half the business. It saw its volumes decline but overall grew its revenue.
The operating ratio—strong enough in the third quarter that it can be argued it was earth-shaking—weakened slightly but was still ahead of the fourth quarter of 2017.
Plus: AVs shrouded in secrecy; Puget Sound congestion relief
A current rail attorney who was with the STB for many years wonders whether it has ever broken free of the changes envisioned by the Staggers Act.
Dry van rates hit air-pocket last month and lose altitude; but other indicators of freight economy still looking up.
Overall import growth mean more freight all around, but high drayage costs and better service bringing more boxes to rail.
The U.S. – China trade war continues to disrupt freight movements into the new year.
After first saying in November that operating ratio for the year would be flat, a strong December has enabled it to tick up slightly.
Jim Vena, protege of vaunted rail executive Hunter Harrison, seen as likely helping boost UP’s move to greater efficiency.
Once dependent on drayage to move boxes to rail, GCT Bayonne now has near-dock rail to speed shipments to U.S. hinterland.
Senate confirmation of Patrick Fuchs and Martin Oberman could be catalyst for STB Chairman Ann Begeman to take action on pending shipper proposals.
Freight lobbyists are banking on leadership changes in the 116th Congress to pave the way for infrastructure financing that stalled during the first half of Trump’s administration.
Locating intermodal assets and identifying which of those assets is available for use is one of the key attributes of Phillips Connect Technologies’ Intermodal Smart Solution.
Plus: The optical communications supply chain, carriers reflag ships ahead of Brexit, and Massachusetts to tackle pot delivery
Project first suggested in 2002 may yet go forward as Port of Baltimore vies for hinterland freight movements.
The charges are growing but there are signs that this lengthy dispute may be coming to an end.
European rail freight is on the move following the development of the German masterplan, which includes provisions for research as well as state aid to operators for track access.
The Washington state port is retooling to handle bigger ships and heavier cargo. The transformation includes a large-scale mixed-use development featuring housing, hotels and office space.
