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!
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.
Profits and revenue fell at Canadian National amid port work stoppages and extreme cold.
In the first State of Freight webinar for the year, intermodal and politics were on the agenda.
CPKC delivers on 2024 guidance of double-digit earnings growth, despite economic uncertainties and tariff threats.
Norfolk Southern COO John Orr has the railroad running tighter and faster.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City said fourth-quarter revenues increased to $3.9 billion from $3.8 billion a year ago, as diluted earnings per share increased to $1.28 from $1.10 in the same quarter in 2023. The Calgary, Alberta-based company (NASDAQ: CP) said after markets closed that its operating ratio decreased by 210 basis points to 59.7% from […]
Operational and other improvements helped Norfolk Southern meet or exceed financial targets it set amid last year’s nasty proxy battle with activist investor Ancora Holdings.
A settlement has been reached between Norfolk Southern and East Palestine, Ohio, after a 2023 derailment left hazardous waste and more behind.
The dollar value of cross-border freight moving between the United States, Canada and Mexico in November was unchanged from the previous year.
President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday rescinded a freeze on federal grants and other funding that could have had far-reaching effects on the transportation sector, one day after the order was announced amid public uncertainty and criticism, media outlets reported. The reversal also follows a federal judge’s order on Tuesday that temporarily blocked the pause […]
Canadian National and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers of Canada have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract, averting a strike that was slated to begin Tuesday. The union represents approximately 750 signals and communications employees across Canada. They have been working without a contract since Dec. 31, 2024. Montreal-based CN (NYSE: […]
CSX on Monday named former Surface Transportation Board Chair Ann Begeman to its board of directors. Separately, Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) appointed former Celanese Chief Executive Lori J. Ryerkerk to its board, a move made after a search process that was a part of an agreement with activist investor Ancora Holdings. “Ann brings a wealth […]
Railcar and locomotive lessor GATX reported 2024 fourth-quarter net income of $76.5 million or $2.10 per diluted share, compared to net income of $66 million or $1.81 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2023. Chicago-based GATX (NYSE: GATX) said utilization of its Rail North America unit’s wholly owned fleet, comprising approximately 111,400 cars, […]
Canadian National Railway is bracing for a work stoppage Tuesday after members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Canada issued a 72-hour strike notice. The union represents about 750 signal and communications workers, who are prepared to walk out if a new agreement is not reached by a Jan. 28 deadline. “CN […]
Declines in coal and fuel surcharge revenue hit CSX profits in the fourth quarter.
Cargo theft, rail crossings, and infrastructure improvements dominate House hearing on rail legislative issues.
