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!
Rail freight in the U.S. remained ahead of year-ago volumes for the sixth consecutive week, according to Association of American Railroads data.
Temperature-controlled warehouse operator Americold announced it has opened a $100-million-plus import-export hub in Kansas City, Missouri.
Despite economic headwinds, U.S. rail freight shows resilience with increased intermodal and carload volumes in July.
A new Union Pacific service is raising the stakes for intermodal traffic moving from southern California ports to Chicago.
Shipments of freight by rail continue to run ahead of year-ago levels, according to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads.
The Surface Transportation Board’s Office of Environmental Analysis has issued its final Environmental Impact Statement for the Green Eagle Railroad, a 1.3-mile line that would be part of a new 19-mile rail route and bridge connecting Eagle Pass, Texas, and Piedras Negas, Mexico. The Green Eagle Railroad would be part of a secure corridor for […]
FTAI Infrastructure is acquiring the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway, the largest independent regional railroad in the U.S.
Freightcar America said orders for new railcars improved in the second quarter following market uncertainties earlier in the year.
While Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have agreed to consolidate, intermodal heavyweights will have to reassess their links to the major railroads.
An association representing several thousand rail shippers is warning a merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will push freight rates higher and lead to unreliable service.
BNSF saw earnings improve in the second quarter and first half of this year as lower costs outweighed weaker revenue per car.
The monthly employment report showed a healthy increase in truck transportation jobs, but a downward move in warehouses.
Intermodal provider Hub Group, which would be strongly affected by a UP-NS merger, backs it fully.
Goldman Sachs is reportedly advising CSX on merger options after Union Pacific said that it would acquire Norfolk Southern.
The Port of Los Angeles is poised to reap the benefits of Union Pacific’s acquisition of Norfolk Southern, its top executive says.
Schneider National said Thursday it needs more information before weighing in on the potential fallout from a Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger.
The activist investor that helped spur the historic Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern deal is building a position in CSX.
Ancora built its position in Norfolk Southern in 2023 and 2024.
Canadian National, one of two transcontinental railroads in Canada, expressed support for the proposed coast-to-coast merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern.
Intermodal, coal, and grain helped Canadian Pacific Kansas City to improved profits in the second quarter.
