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!
Hauling autos into Baltimore is a big business that is going to scale back dramatically in coming weeks and months.
Norfolk Southern’s annual meeting will be May 9, when the push to oust current management comes to a head.
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The Port of Huntsville in Alabama reported 24% year-over-year growth at its intermodal container yard in 2023.
Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena defended the railroad’s safety record, which recently has come in for criticism from Federal Railroad Administration Chairman Amit Bose.
Union Pacific recently won a state court ruling in a legal battle to close a rail car shop in Palestine, Texas.
Truck transportation jobs in the monthly BLS report were slightly down, but that couldn’t be said for plunging warehouse numbers.
NTSB head Jennifer Homendy told a Senate committee that the burning of chemicals on derailed Norfolk Southern rail cars in East Palestine, Ohio, was not necessary.
Norfolk Southern has defended its safety measures and CEO pay package amid criticism and calls to action from activist investor Ancora Holdings.
A Norfolk Southern train derailed in Pennsylvania on Saturday amid an already heated battle over railroad safety issues. Here’s the latest.
BNSF Railway reportedly furloughed hundreds of mechanical department workers at train yards in 4 states.
A case in Illinois involving BNSF Railway and a federal law on biometric information privacy has its settlement figure: $75 million.
Fastfrate Group has renewed a long-term agreement with CPKC to provide intermodal and drayage services in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Dockworkers are fully prepared to swap pallet jacks for picket signs come October.
Georgia Ports Authority said it handled 428,000 containers and 65,400 roll-on, roll-off units in January.
J.B. Hunt said Thursday it will buy Walmart’s intermodal assets and that the two companies entered a multiyear agreement that will bring more shipments to J.B. Hunt’s network.
Norfolk Southern’s board said it maintains an “ongoing process” of board refreshment.
Teamsters Canada said negotiations with Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City have stalled over issues of pay and working conditions.
Ancora Holdings Group proposes that a former top UPS executive become Norfolk Southern’s CEO.
The Georgia Ports Authority sets export record in 2023; the Alabama Port Authority and CSX partner to launch an intermodal facility; and the Port of Cleveland receives $32 million for upgrades.
