FREIGHT RAILROAD INVESTMENT KEY FACTS

  • Freight railroads privately invest $23B+ annually.
  • Their capex investments are 6x more than the average U.S. manufacturer as a share of revenue.
  • Investments expand capacity, reduce emissions and implement new technologies.

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Freight railroads are preparing for the future. They are investing in technology, infrastructure, and workforce to improve efficiency and ensure reliable movement of goods and support economic growth.

Unlike most other modes of transportation, freight railroads own, operate, and maintain their infrastructure without relying on taxpayer funding. This includes nearly 140,00 route-miles of track, bridges, tunnels, yards, and signaling systems that form a critical backbone of U.S. commerce.

  • From 1980 through 2024, U.S. freight railroads reinvested approximately $840 billion—close to $1.4 trillion in today’s dollars—of their own funds, not taxpayer funds, on capital expenditures and maintenance expenses related to locomotives, freight cars, tracks, bridges, tunnels and other infrastructure and equipment.
  • Each year, the industry invests an average of $23 billion of its own capital—six times more than the average U.S. manufacturer as a share of revenue—to strengthen this essential network.
  • In 2023 alone, Class I railroads reinvested $26.8 billion back into their systems—demonstrating a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement.

Thanks to freight rail’s private investments:

  • Businesses enjoy more reliable, cost-effective logistics.
  • Communities see reduced road congestion and emissions.
  • The economy gains stability and growth powered by efficient goods movement.
  • The environment benefits from cleaner, greener transport solutions.

Strategic, Data-Driven Investment

Freight rail’s data-informed investments:

  • Enhance safety through employee training and technologies like track monitoring systems and real-time diagnostics.
  • Increase capacity and reliability to meet growing demand and reduce network congestion.
  • Modernize infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, and rail yards to speed up operations and reduce delays.
  • Improve sustainability with low-emission locomotives, fuel-efficient technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure.