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!
Saturday will mark one year since a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. NS is joining the federal Confidential Close Call Reporting System, the only Class I railroad to do so.
Canada-based Bison Transport is partnering with CPKC to provide cross-border intermodal service between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
To view more FreightWaves infographics, click here
Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec rail corridor could complement container movements along the Panama Canal.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley are bullish on the growth prospects for
Canadian National Railway Co.’s business units in 2024.
This week in Borderlands: Nearshoring forecast to boost US-Mexico trade in 2024; Texas receives $70M grant for hydrogen fuel stations; automotive manufacturer announces $400M factory in Mexico; and Texas logistics park receives $1.5M grant to expand services.
After President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, his body toured the United States in a funeral procession by train as the country mourned the loss.
J.B. Hunt announced it has added former railroad executive Patrick Ottensmeyer to its board.
ITS Logistics is entering this digital arena with its container management and visibility platform ContainerAI.
This week in Borderlands: Mexico top US trade partner in November, Laredo No. 1 gateway; PSC Group acquires rail terminal in South Texas; automotive firm inaugurates $55 million expansion in Mexico; and CBP seizes $5M worth of cocaine at Texas border crossing.
Maersk has opted to bypass the drought-stricken Panama Canal and use rail to transport cargo across Panama.
The monthly BLS report showed a relatively modest gain for truck transportation jobs but another decline in warehouses.
Increasing biofuel consumption will be a key way for Norfolk Southern to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to its inaugural climate transition plan.
Craig M. Keats started his career in 1972 as an attorney for the Interstate Commerce Commission — the Surface Transportation Board’s predecessor — and he has stayed on since then.
What are stakeholders in the freight rail space keeping an eye on in 2024? Here’s a starter list.
The Federal Railroad Administration submitted its proposed rulemaking on train crew staffing to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for review.
Intermodal rail might still face pressure from a loose truck market in 2024, but intermodal rail providers could see volumes grow longer term if they keep service humming, according to Breakthrough’s chief economist.
To view more FreightWaves infographics, click here
Election-year politics and the NTSB report on the East Palestine derailment are key factors in whether Congress will pass rail safety legislation in 2024, industry observers say.
Cargo volumes at the Port of New York and New Jersey were 7.5% higher than November 2019 but 11% lower year over year.
