Backgrounders
Below are deep-dive PDFs written by AAR’s Policy & Economics experts.
101 & Impact
- Freight Rail 101
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Benefits / Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- A Short History of American Freight Railroads / Chronology
Policy
- Capacity & Investment
- The Need For Balanced Railroad Regulations
- The Staggers Act of 1980 Backgrounder
- Cost-Effectiveness of Freight Railroads
- Differential Pricing
- International Trade
- Performance Based Regulations
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Truck Size & Weight
Safety
- Moving America Safely
- Railroad Security
- Railroad Cybersecurity
- Highway-Grade Crossing
- High-Tech Advances
Industries We Support
Fact Sheets
Looking for quick takeaways instead of full deep-dives? Below are PDFs that give quick takeaway and high-level information on many of the same topics as above.
101 & Impact.
Policy
- Economic Regulation
- Operational Regulation
- USMCA & International Trade
- Crew Size & Supplemental Facts
- Yardmaster Protection Act
- FAST Act Reauthorization Priorities
- Infrastructure Policies
- Truck Size & Weight
Safety & Technology
- Safety Record
- Hazmat Safety
- Preparedness & Response
- Pedestrian & Driver Safety
- Infrastructure & Equipment Safety
- Positive Train Control (PTC)
- Safety Technology / Service Technology