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!
A panel of public and private decision-makers highlighted steps taken to fortify the global supply chain against disruptive events, but said more needs to be done.
U.S. weekly rail traffic remained ahead of year-earlier levels for the final week of 2024, the Association of American Railroads reported Friday.
U.S. weekly rail traffic remains ahead of 2023 levels for the week ending Dec. 21, 2024.
Chassis provider Trac Intermodal saw its debt rating affirmed by Moody’s, but its outlook is now negative.
Canadian union Unifor said its members ratified new four-year agreements with Canadian National Railway.
David Fink, former Pan Am Railways president, has been tabbed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Federal Railroad Administration.
Norfolk Southern has tabbed investment banker Michael Barr as vice president of investor relations and treasurer.
In a security upgrade, the Federal Railroad Administration has issued a final rule that limits railcars and parts made in China.
CSX in a filing listed September 2025 for completions of emergency repairs following hurricane damage to the former Clinchfield Railroad route through Tennessee and North Carolina.
Intermodal volumes are robust, even past peak retail season. What does it mean for 2025?
Intermodal continues to pace weekly U.S. rail traffic while carloads edged downward, according to the Association of American Railroads.
A newly completed CPKC rail bridge linking the U.S. and Mexico is expected to double capacity for cross-border trade.
Direct ChassisLink Inc. announced it’s adding GPS tracking to its entire fleet of 53-foot domestic chassis.
Continuing consumer demand and frontloading by importers in November helped the Port of Los Angeles to double-digit gains in container volumes.
To honor fallen veterans during the holidays, a number of companies regularly partner with Wreaths Across America to deliver wreaths for placement on headstones. Among them are BNSF Railway and J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Wreaths Across America has a mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach,” and every year since 2007 the organization has coordinated wreath-laying […]
Teamsters Canada leaders want federal officials to stay out of contract negotiations and back rail workers’ right to strike.
CPKC and cold chain logistics specialist Americold will expand their strategic collaboration to co-development projects in Mexico.
U.S. rail traffic is back on track after November swings, with intermodal gains outpacing weaker carloads.
Resilient consumer spending and a healthy jobs market underpinned record intermodal volumes through November, a new report finds, as the U.S. economy enjoys stable footing approaching 2025.
Bureau of Labor Statistics data on truck transportation jobs showed one of the bigger gains in a long time in November.
