As America turns 250, freight railroads are proud to be the trusted partner that has kept this nation moving for most of its history. Railroads carry the goods that grow our economy, support jobs, and connect communities across the country. From the earliest rail lines to today’s modern network, freight rail has helped build a stronger, safer nation — and with billions invested each year, we’re ready to keep America moving for the next 250.
How Freight Rail Moves America
Creating American Jobs
Freight rail jobs are among the safest and best-paying in America, with over 80% of Class I workers unionized, wages about 40% above the national average, and careers with a median tenure of about 14 years.
Delivering for Americans
From food and cars to home goods and clothing, freight railroads move the essentials Americans count on every day—keeping shelves stocked, costs down, and communities supplied.
Keeping America Competitive
Freight railroads power nearly every industry—from construction and farming to autos and tech—moving massive volumes efficiently, strengthening supply chains, and keeping U.S. businesses competitive.
Creating a Cleaner America
Freight rail is the most fuel-efficient way to move goods over land, and continued investments in new technologies are further shrinking an already small carbon footprint.
How Rail Reaches America
Freight rail touches nearly every corner of the country, spanning 49 states and D.C. with a 140,000‑mile network. Regional and short line railroads strengthen this system by connecting local industries and communities to the national economy. And because about 70% of Amtrak’s train‑miles run on freight‑owned tracks, the network plays a critical role for both freight and passenger movement.
Supported by a broad rail‑supply community, this coast‑to‑coast system expands consumer access, strengthens U.S. competitiveness, and keeps goods moving efficiently. Continuous improvements ensure the network can meet the demands of a growing nation—today and well into the future.
Explore the Story of American Freight Rail
- Then & Now: See how freight rail transformed from frontier‑era steam and timber to today’s data‑powered, high‑efficiency network in this look at an industry that has moved America for nearly 200 years.
- The Original Disruptor: Discover how freight rail mastered speed, coordination, and national connectivity long before the digital age—and how it still powers America today.
- The Evolution of Technology: Explore freight rail’s early use of technology in the 1800s to the innovations it uses today.
- Freight Rail Chronology: Explore key milestones in freight rail history — from the first steam locomotive in 1804 to today’s AI-powered rail network.
Explore Freight Rail of the Past
In the 1950s, the Association of American Railroads distributed Railroad Transportation Teacher’s Kits to schools across the country, helping students understand how railroads connected farms, factories, cities, and ports — powering American industry and everyday life. Filled with photographs, maps, and classroom materials, the kits captured an era when railroads symbolized progress, innovation, and mobility.
Today, freight railroads continue that legacy using advanced technology, modern infrastructure, and cutting-edge logistics systems to move the goods that keep America running. These historic images, which are from the 1918-1963 Ralph W. Brafford Collection, offer a glimpse into how far the industry has evolved — and how essential rail remains to the nation’s future.
