Key Facts

  • A Private Network: America’s freight rail industry is one of the most efficient and cost-effective transportation networks in the world. Fueled by billions of dollars in annual private investment — averaging well above $23 billion a year over the past five years — railroads maintain and modernize the nation’s nearly 140,000-mile rail network to deliver for America.
  • Safe: America’s freight rail industry is among the safest sectors in the world. Railroads train 20,000 first responders annually, and more than 99.9% of all hazmat moved by rail reaches its destination without a release caused by a train accident.
  • Future Focused: Railroads use technologies like ultrasound and drones to inspect infrastructure and equipment with greater precision and frequency.
  • Sustainable: As the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land, railroads, on average, move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel. Moving goods by rail instead of truck reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75%, on average.
  • Trade Connector: Railroads allow U.S. industries to compete abroad while providing consumers access to a greater variety of goods.
  • Employee Driven: Freight railroads employ a wide range of skilled workers— the vast majority of whom are unionized. In 2020, Class I freight rail employees earned an average of $135,700 in wages and benefits.

Policy Positions

  • Policy Overview: Railroads must have smart policies that allow them — not taxpayers — to continually invest billions annually into their people, infrastructure, equipment and technology. These investments help ensure safe and efficient operations, maintain the modern American lifestyle and keep America globally competitive.
  • Regulators: Freight rail adheres to strict regulations. The Surface Transportation Board (STB), a federal, bipartisan, independent adjudicatory board, has economic regulatory oversight of railroads. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation, promulgates and enforces rail safety regulations.

Industry Partners

  • Railinc: Wholly-owned subsidiary of the AAR and is the leading provider of information technology, related network operations and financial services, and near rail-time network data to North America’s railroads.
  • MxV Rail: MxV Rail is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the AAR and the railroad industry’s world-class rail research and testing facility that works to improve the safety and efficiency of freight railroads throughout North America and the world.
  • GoRail: Works with thousands of community leaders across the country to tell the local story of freight rail — stronger economies, more jobs and cleaner skies.
  • The American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association: Founded in 1913, ASLRRA represents approximately 600 owners and operators of short line and regional railroads throughout North America.
  • Operation Lifesaver, Inc.: Nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks.
  • League of Railway Women (LRIW): Professional association that advances the representation, recognition, and opportunities for women in the railroad industry by providing networking opportunities, sponsoring industry educational activities and supporting mentoring partnerships.

AAR Government Affairs Contacts