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 Railway, and Canadian National Railway.
Keep up with the latest news, trends, and reports concerning rail freight transport here!
APM Terminals Mobile has begun a $60 million rail expansion project at the Port of Mobile, Alabama.
Trade groups are supporting the reintroduction of a U.S. House bill to spur the industry to produce new rail cars or modernize existing ones through a tax credit.
One analyst expects Norfolk Southern will pay up to $50 million following its Ohio derailment — about 1.7% of its 2022 profits.
Two groups within the International Association of Machinists and Brotherhood of Railway Carmen have reached sick leave agreements with eastern U.S. railroad CSX.
Norfolk Southern told the EPA other chemicals besides vinyl chloride were released into the local environment in the Ohio train derailment.
A report commissioned by railway supply manufacturers suggests that direct and indirect contributions by the industry to U.S. GDP exceeded $75 billion in 2020.
Ocean carrier Zim will increase the frequency and size of ships used for its e-commerce Baltimore Express service.
The International Association of Machinists and the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers have reached sick leave agreements with eastern U.S railroad CSX.
Union members are putting a spotlight on the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in Ohio, with the Transportation Trades Department calling for greater safety oversight from the Federal Railroad Administration.
Union calls for changes in sick leave policies came to a head this week between a press conference with Sen. Bernie Sanders and a union-adopted resolution calling for sick leave.
