Across America, freight rail is moving states and communities forward. A nearly 134,000-mile network spanning 49 states and Washington, D.C. connects local businesses and communities to customers across the country and around the globe. Regional and short line railroads provide critical first- and last-mile connections, while freight-owned tracks support much of America’s passenger rail service. Backed by continued investment and a broad supplier network, freight rail helps states compete, grow, and meet the nation’s evolving transportation needs.

If railroads did not move freight in the United States, it would take approximately 80 million additional long-distance truck trips traveling on public roadways and would take up to four times more fuel than rail to handle the freight Americans rely on every day.