About Us
The Association of American Railroads
America's freight railroads operate the safest, cleanest, most efficient and most environmentally sound rail system in the world — and at the Association of American Railroads we're committed to keeping it that way. AAR members include the major freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Our membership organization oversees a 140,000-mile rail network and sets new standards for innovation, safety and technology.
Our mission is to work with elected officials and leaders in Washington, D.C. on critical rail transportation issues to ensure that the railroads meet America’s transportation needs today and in the future.
The AAR is the standard setting organization for North America's railroads. The primary focus is the interoperability of rolling stock, including locomotives, and their components. Our subsidiaries, Transportation Technology Center (TTCI) is the world's leading research, development and testing facility that develops next-generation advancements in safety and operation efficiency. Railinc Corporation, AAR's information technology hub, uses one of the world's largest data networks to help customers track shipments. The AAR's Railroad Research Foundation (RRF) manages many of the government's rail research programs in the safety and security, communications and train control areas as well as infrastructure improvement programs.
Freight railroads meet our nation’s transportation needs today and will have an even more positive impact in the future. AAR members are committed to continuing to provide the affordable, efficient transportation our customers depend on. Railroads are environmentally sensitive, energy efficient, and work tirelessly to build and expand our economy. Anything less is unacceptable because America's future depends on us.