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!
As the release of the NTSB’s accident investigation report on the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment looms, policymakers can take several steps to focus on rail safety.
This week in Borderlands: Private sector investment in Mexico $39B so far in 2024; BNSF announces intermodal logistics hub near Phoenix; Trailer manufacturer launches production facility in Eagle Pass, Texas; and Doosan Bobcat begins construction of $300M plant in Mexico.
NSF must pay more than $394 million for transporting oil across tribal land in northwest Washington in violation of an agreement, a judge has ruled.
The threat of a rail worker strike across Canada could be extended through at least mid-July amid stalled negotiations between Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and CN and CPKC railroads.
This week in Borderlands: Evans Transportation launches cross-border service amid trade boom; TexAmericas Center receives Union Pacific “focus site” designation; Chemvest Holdings US acquires Texas rail-served industrial park; and DHL Express expands retail presence in Houston area.
Costs and feasibility of CARB’s anti-pollution rule for locomotives was debated on Capitol Hill.
Another drop in truck transportation jobs in May means the total stands at the same level as it did in November.
A Los Angeles jury awarded more than $58 million to Pablo Scipione, who suffered a microfracture in his foot while working at a train yard in 2016.Independent contractor was injured in 2016 at Kinkisharyo yard
Norfolk Southern will be required to pay an additional $310 million for the 2023 East Palestine derailment. The settlement will go towards measures to improve rail safety, pay for health monitoring and mental health services for the surrounding communities, fund long-term environmental monitoring and more.
DP World is launching an intermodal service to transport finished vehicles by rail from Mexico to the U.S.
Well-known transportation equity research analyst Amit Mehrotra is leaving Deutsche Bank, which for now at least is ending equity coverage of transportation companies.
BNSF Railway has filed an appeal for an asbestos trial verdict that ruled the railroad was liable in the deaths of two people in Montana.
A federal lawsuit alleges CSX inflated the amount of time employees were charged for taking leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, punished workers for taking the leave, and terminated or suspended over 100 employees for allegedly taking FMLA leave fraudulently.
Federal officials have pushed back a potential CN and CPKC rail worker strike in order to review whether a work stoppage would jeopardize Canadians’ health and safety.
About $10 million in Minnesota Department of Transportation grants will support 11 freight rail projects, making the state more competitive in the global and national economy, officials said.
Activist investor Ancora elected three members to the Norfolk Southern board, failing to oust CEO Alan Shaw. An Ancora official says “passive investors” are to blame if safety issues recur.
RailState’s new $4 million investment will be used for the strategic expansion of the company’s network coverage, including along the U.S.-Mexico border, and product investments to provide customers with accurate, real-time rail network information.
Late in the game, the head of the Surface Transportation Board is speaking out against replacing Norfolk Southern management, suggesting the effort threatens the U.S. rail network.
Truck transportation jobs posted a small decline in April after six straight months of relatively minor gains.
In competitive lanes, loads shift from rail to road.
