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!
After small railroad volume growth outperformed the Class I, Norfolk Southern is expanding an interchange program to more than 260 shortline partners.
Short line railroads and their stakeholders took their legislative wishlist to Washington for the annual Congressional lobby event.
Coal remained the commodity leader as U.S. rail carloads stayed ahead of year-ago levels.
Intermodal volumes so far seem to be dodging the “air pocket” expected in the wake of steep tariffs on goods from China.
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are looking for a new harbor rail operator for the first time since 1998.
Railroad executives told an investors conference that future mergers face likely insurmountable regulatory hurdles.
Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs has added a team of public-private advisers as he reforms the federal freight rail regulator.
The ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index shows looming issues at rail terminals and an early peak season ahead.
Coordinated effort is vital to optimizing use of the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s busiest port complex, says Canadian National CEO Tracy Robinson.
Eastbound international container volume out of Southern California was down 5% from the prior week and 10% compared to the four-week rolling average, according to RailState.
It’s a whole new freight market from what it was just a month ago, according to the May State of Freight webinar.
Cross-border tensions are moderating Canadian National’s outlook, but its CEO still expects around 3% growth in freight volumes this year.
U.S. railroads carried more freight in the most recent week from a year ago, according to the latest industry data.
Talk of mergers is making the rounds of Class I railroads as a way to kick-start growth and take advantage of a business-friendly Trump administration.
Rebuilding after hurricane damage and rerouting around a Baltimore tunnel project cost CSX a million dollars a day in lost revenue in the first quarter, a company executive told an investor conference.
David Fink, President Trump’s nominee to oversee rail safety in the U.S., was questioned Tuesday about his own safety record as former head of a railroad.
Union Pacific President Beth Whited will step down to an adviser role after 37 years at the railroad.
BNSF has laid off a number of workers as it restructures its technology operations.
The Association of American Railroads is asking the Trump administration to repeal a Biden-era rule requiring two-person train crews.
Railcar builder FreightCar America said net income was $50.4 million on revenue of $96.3 million in the first quarter.
