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!
New Orleans Public Belt Railroad and Gulf Gateway Terminal have announced an expansion to handle liquid bulk terminal traffic.
Union Pacific announced plans on Presidents Day to honor Abraham Lincoln with a commemorative locomotive.
In North Carolina, old railcars are getting new life as temporary road bridges after damage wrought by Hurricane Helene.
Locomotive builder Wabtec’s shares declined despite fourth-quarter revenue and profit increases.
Union Pacific might be running the smoothest rail network.
U.S. rail traffic has risen for the fifth time in the first six weeks of 2025.
Matthew Lane and Herman Crosson earn the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association safety awards.
A tax credit to help pay for the renewal of the U.S. freight car fleet has been reintroduced in Congress.
Sacramento-based Sierra Northern Railway has acquired RailPower LLC in an effort to develop low- and zero-emission motive power.
A ceremony marked the opening of CPKC’s new Patrick J. Ottensmeyer International Railway Bridge crossing the Rio Grande, at the busiest rail gateway connecting the United States and Mexico.
Separate legislation to broaden the definition of high-hazard trains and reimburse rail hazmat incident first responders have been reintroduced in Congress.
The annual revision to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment report showed a lot fewer jobs in truck transportation than earlier thought.
The Greenbrier Cos. said Chief Executive Lorie Tekorius has been appointed to the Portland, Oregon, branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
US weekly rail traffic rebounds after a slight downturn.
Liner operator Ocean Network Express and LX Pantos are partnering on Boxlinks for U.S. domestic intermodal logistics.
CSX has reopened part of its Clinchfield Railroad through western North Carolina that was damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
How bad can it get for cross-border?
The Port of Baltimore has deployed an electric railcar mover it says is a first for the U.S. maritime industry.
British infrastructure investor Ancala and Arkadia Rail Partners have teamed up to purchase Lehigh Valley Rail Management.
A new report from the Intermodal Association of North America found international volumes helped intermodal freight author a turnaround in 2024.
