America's Railroads
Railroads: a vital link in U.S. economy
America's freight railroads - a $55 billion industry - are a vital link in the national economy, connecting producers with manufacturers and distributors at home and abroad, via a network of more than 140,000 route-miles that serve every major U.S. port and metropolitan area. Forty percent of the country's freight ton-mileage, more than any other mode of transportation, moves across America's rail lines each year - that's seven tons for every person living in the United States.
Railroad Fact
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Economic impact
U.S. freight railroads are more efficient and cost-effective than any other freight rail system in the world. On average, shipping by rail costs 54 percent less in inflation-adjusted terms in 2006 than it did in 1981, which contributes to the competitiveness of U.S. products in the global marketplace and improves our standard of living.
Public benefits
Transporting freight by rail benefits all Americans by providing a shipping option that is safe, economical, efficient and environmentally friendly. Railroads are leaders in conserving environmental resources and investing in new technology and solutions to make freight rail transportation "cleaner and greener" as well as safer.
Wages & benefits
Freight rail employees are among the nation's most highly compensated workers. Despite sharply rising health care costs, railway workers pay only a nominal portion of the cost of their generous benefits. In addition, more than 174,000 current railroad industry employees are covered by a separate retirement system that provides enhanced benefits that exceed those of Social Security alone, and is widely praised as financially healthy.
Safety & security
Rail accident and injury rates have been reduced significantly over the past 25 years. Investments in new technology and employee training have contributed to this outstanding record.
Technology
Now, U.S. freight railroads are developing train control technology that will significantly improve the safety of freight operations. This new technology will help prevent train collisions and improve productivity. Best of all, it will reduce accidents caused by human error, the most common cause of train accidents.
