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!
Large-scale real estate developer Focus Equities will oversee the construction. Its head explained to FreightWaves why Winnipeg is a prime location for customers.
BNSF Railway Co. last week acquired 3,508 acres in the Phoenix region with plans to develop it as its Western hub.
FreightWaves rounds up recent freight rail-related news items.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wants the Surface Transportation Board to move forward with proceedings that would address rail service for grain and agricultural products shippers.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has released the results of its investigation into a fatal February 2019 grain train derailment. But Canadian Pacific refutes some of the findings.
Near-term deployment of long-term technologies such as automation isn’t as far away as one might think.
The sustained year-over-year gains propel the Georgia Ports Authority to expedite more than $538 million in funding for projects aimed at increasing capacity at the Port of Savannah.
The National Grain and Feed Association is asking the Surface Transportation Board to compel three Class I railroads to provide weekly and annual service updates.
The new container cranes will enable the terminal to accommodate multiple ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.
Data can help identify causes of inefficiency and inform better decision-making.
Four Class I railroads have donated funds to support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and surrounding areas. Also, U.S. and European rail sector officials form a task force to support Ukrainian freight and passenger rail.
Key speakers announced for The Future of Supply Chain.
Short line operator G&W and Class I railroad BNSF announce their industrial development results for 2021.
BLET and SMART-TD have decided to pursue binding arbitration in front of a third-party board instead of an appeal.
With Wabtec’s help, NS will retrofit locomotives so that they can last 20 more years.
The railcar manufacturer sees elevated scrapping levels and higher leasing rates.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for federal, state and local governments to develop inland ports to improve network flows, say stakeholders.
Canadian Pacific Railway and the Teamsters union agreed to settle a labor dispute through binding arbitration, averting a supply chain crisis.
The shutdown of Canadian Pacific’s rail network is putting additional strain on the supply chain as shipments grind to a halt with backups looming at ports.
Supply chains are at risk after Canadian Pacific shut down its rail service amid a contract battle with the Teamsters.
