KEY FACTS
- Freight railroads are the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land.
- Railroads invest billions yearly to build climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Sustainability is industry-wide, from zero-emission yards to locomotive fuel management systems.
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As total global emissions and CO2-attributable warming continue to rise annually, immediate emissions reductions are critical. Additionally, smart policies to transition toward a net-zero economy are essential. With one train carrying one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on one gallon of fuel, railroads remain a responsible partner. They are capable of delivering sustainable transportation solutions in the near term and for the long haul.
With an eye trained on that goal, freight railroads are developing and implementing new technologies. They are also refining operating practices and working with their suppliers, customers, and supply chain partners to reduce GHG emissions. Every North American Class I railroad has an approved target with the Science Based Targets initiative. This organization drives ambitious climate action in the private sector and works to curb temperature rise and mitigate climate change-related impacts.
Reducing Locomotive & Yard Emissions
Rail yards are the heart of freight movement, where thousands of rail cars are sorted. Trains are built, and containers are transferred between trucks and rail. To reduce emissions at these hubs, railroads are deploying zero-emission cranes to move intermodal containers.
They use low-emitting natural gas and battery-electric hostlers to transport equipment. Additionally, they apply filters on diesel switch locomotives to improve air quality. Railroads are also expediting truck movement through biometric scanners, automated gate systems, and mobile apps. These systems reduce idling and emissions by cutting wait times.
On the mainline, locomotives feature advanced fuel management systems. These systems improve efficiency by up to 14%. Additionally, stop-start technology cuts idle time and fuel waste by 50%. Railroads are also piloting battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives. They test hybrid consist models that capture braking energy to reduce emissions by nearly 30%. Furthermore, they incorporate renewable fuels to further lower carbon output.
Building Resiliency
Freight railroads invest approximately $25 billion annually to fortify their nationwide network against climate-related disasters like floods, wildfires, and storms. They ensure uninterrupted supply chain operations. Strategies include clearing rights-of-way to prevent wildfires and deploying specialized “fire trains.”
They also use seismic and weather detectors, replace wood with concrete or steel, construct raised tracks, and adjust timing of maintenance projects. These strategies help minimize heat-induced track-buckling.
Evolving Operations
With a commitment to sustainability ingrained in their culture, railroads harness the collective power of their skilled workforce. Together, they drive eco-friendly practices. Each railroader plays a vital role in environmental protection.
They do this by developing fuel-saving software, sharing best practices, or promoting overall environmental stewardship. In addition to emission reduction efforts, freight railroads actively engage in various sustainability initiatives. These include recycling, resource management, office efficiency improvements, electricity conservation, and landscape protection along their routes.
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Freight Rail & Climate Change
This is AAR Audio, and you’re listening to Freight Rail & Climate Change.
Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. But not all transportation has the same impact.
Freight rail accounts for only a small share of transportation-related emissions while moving about 40% of America’s long-distance freight measured by ton volume. On average, one train can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making freight rail the most fuel-efficient way to move goods over land. Trains are also three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks on average, with one train taking hundreds of trucks off the road.
But railroads aren’t just saying, well, we’re the most fuel-efficient way to move goods over land; I guess we’re done. Instead, they continue investing in cleaner technology, smarter operations, and a more resilient network to reduce emissions even further.
Reducing locomotive emissions is a major target for freight railroads.
When a locomotive isn’t moving, it often keeps running.
And just like a car sitting at a stoplight, an idling locomotive burns fuel even though it isn’t going anywhere.
Today’s locomotives use automatic start-stop technology that shuts down the engine when it’s not needed and restarts it when it’s time to move again.
Locomotive engineers use advanced fuel management systems that help them operate trains more efficiently.
These onboard systems recommend the best throttle and braking strategies based on the train’s weight, the terrain ahead, and operating conditions.
The result is less fuel burned, which means fewer emissions.
Railroads are also testing battery-electric locomotives, hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid technologies, and renewable fuels to further reduce their environmental footprint.
The same effort to reduce emissions continues inside rail yards.
These are the places where trains are built, railcars are sorted, and containers move between trains and trucks.
Zero-emission cranes lift containers between trains and trucks.
Battery-electric yard vehicles replace diesel-powered equipment.
Automated gate systems, biometric scanners, and mobile apps move trucks through terminals more quickly.
Railroads are also preparing for the effects of climate change.
Every year, they invest tens of billions of dollars into the tracks, bridges, signals, and equipment they own and maintain.
Those investments help the network withstand floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and severe storms.
Railroads clear vegetation to reduce wildfire risk.
They use weather and seismic sensors to monitor changing conditions.
They replace older bridges and structures with stronger materials.
And they adjust maintenance schedules during periods of extreme heat to reduce the risk of track buckling.
Their goal is clear.
Keep freight moving safely as weather becomes more extreme.
Sustainability also depends on the people who operate the railroad.
Employees continually look for new ways to save fuel, improve operations, conserve resources, and reduce waste.
Railroads recycle materials, improve energy efficiency in their facilities, and protect natural areas along their rights-of-way.
Moving freight will always require energy.
The challenge is using that energy as efficiently as possible.
Freight rail already produces fewer emissions than other ways of moving large amounts of freight over land.
New technology helps skilled employees reduce that impact even further.
By combining innovation with the experience of skilled railroad employees, freight rail continues to lower emissions, strengthen its network, and keep America’s supply chains moving.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Freight rail is one of the most fuel-efficient and lowest-emission ways to move goods over land, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping supply chains moving. Through continued investment in technology, cleaner fuels, and resilient infrastructure, rail plays a critical role in advancing climate goals while supporting economic growth.