Great Expectations 2011
Freight rail is a true American success story. Once on the brink of bankruptcy, this private industry is helping power our nation's economic recovery by investing record sums of capital into the country's rail system, providing high paying American jobs and connecting businesses to the global marketplace. Great Expectations 2011, a report from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), highlights how freight rail is positioned to advance national policy goals given today's regulatory framework remains intact
Download the PDF of the Great Expectations 2011 Report »
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Edward R. Hamberger, President and CEO of the AAR, presents the highlights of AAR's recently released report, Great Expectations 2011. The report details how the freight railroad industry—thanks to today's economic regulation—is driving America's economic recovery through job creation, record investments and competitive rates that keep businesses competitive.
Investments
Unlike trucks, barges, and airlines in the U.S., freight railroads do not strain the public purse. Privately owned railroads spent $480 billion since 1980 building, maintaining and growing its 140,000 mile rail network. That amount equals 40 cents of every revenue dollar. Even during the economic downturn, America's freight railroads spent $10 billion annually on capital expenditures to ensure goods and people move safely, reliably and efficiently. In 2011, that investment is expected to increase to more than $12 billion, helping keeping America competitive.
The Economic Impact of America's Freight Railroads »
The Cost Effectiveness of America's Freight Railroads »
Rail Earnings Today Pay for Capacity and Service Improvements for Tomorrow »
Freight and Passenger Rail: Finding the Right Balance »
Jobs/Economy
Railraods are the backbone of the nation's economy, delivering the things businesses need and consumers want. Responsibile for moving 43 percent of all intercity freight and of one-third of the country's exports, freight railroads generate nearly $265 billion in total annual economic activity. The industry also directly supports an estimated 1.2 million jobs throughout the U.S. economy. Today, as the country emerges from the recession, railroads stand out as one of the few industries hiring. Railroad employment in 2010 increased 5.2 percent, bringing total employment at the nation's freight rail companies to more than 175,000. Railroads employees are also among America's most highly paid workers with an average compensation of $107,085 in 2010.
An Overview of America's Freight Railroads »
Faces of Freight Rail Gallery »
Regulation
Today, the self-sustaining freight rail industry has weathered the recession and emerged prepared to help deliver America's economic recovery. This success is largely made possible because of a balanced regulatory frame-work that supports railroads and customers alike. Ultimately, today's regulatory system has given rise to a rail network that is the envy of the world, with rates roughly half of what they were before the legislation passed and safer and more efficient than ever before.
The Impact of the Staggers Rail Act of 1980 »
Keep Rail Regulation Reasonable »
Maintain Railroad Antitrust Laws »
Positive Train Control »
Keep Federal Truck Size and Weight Limits »