Association of American Railroads

Association of American Railroads America's freight railroads operate the safest, cleanest and most efficient rail system in the world — and at AAR we're committed to keeping it that way.

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This June, for , we're spotlighting how railroaders use advanced technology to work together to keep the rail network s...
06/18/2026

This June, for , we're spotlighting how railroaders use advanced technology to work together to keep the rail network safe. At CSX, railcar safety begins with skilled inspectors who use their training and experience to perform thorough visual inspections every day — the foundation of safe operations.

Their work is reinforced by more than 1,000 wayside detectors across the network that monitor bearing and wheel temperatures in real time. In CSX mechanical shops, inspections go even deeper with magnetic particle testing that detect subsurface defects and hairline cracks not visible to the naked eye.

Together, human expertise and advanced tools help identify potential risks early — supporting safe, reliable service across the network.

U.S. railroads are on the move! Our Policy and Economics team reports total U.S. rail traffic up 7.2% for the week endin...
06/17/2026

U.S. railroads are on the move! Our Policy and Economics team reports total U.S. rail traffic up 7.2% for the week ending June 13, 2026, compared with the same week last year.

Key highlights this week:

🌾 Grain: +21.7%

🪨 Metallic ores & metals: +19.2%

🛢️ Petroleum and Petroleum Products: +7.4%

📦 Carloads: +2.8% year-over-year

🚛 Intermodal: +10.9% year-over-year

Link in comments ⬇️⬇️

Resiliency is a key piece of rail safety. This June, for , we're spotlighting how railroads are strengthening their abi...
06/17/2026

Resiliency is a key piece of rail safety. This June, for , we're spotlighting how railroads are strengthening their ability to respond to emerging risks like wildfires.

At Canadian National Railway Company, that includes a firefighting train fleet designed to deliver large volumes of water in remote areas. During the 2024 Jasper wildfires, CN’s firefighting trains supplied millions of gallons of water to crews battling flames in areas unreachable by road — helping increase water capacity and support suppression efforts.

Building on that experience, CN has more than doubled capacity to 110,000 gallons and expanded its fleet and equipment to improve speed, reach, and flexibility. By investing in preparedness and working alongside local responders, CN is strengthening response capabilities and protecting the people and communities along its network.

06/17/2026

Projects like BNSF Railway's Barstow International Gateway highlight the strength of America’s privately funded network — expanding capacity, improving efficiency and supporting more resilient supply chains.

They also create positive economic impact for the region, supporting job creation and strengthening connections between ports, inland markets and the national network. Freight rail is built for growth — and investments like this help keep it that way.

06/16/2026

That new car smell? Rail helped make it happen.

Freight railroads carry nearly 75% of the new cars and trucks sold in America every year. From the raw steel to the finished vehicle rolling off the carrier — rail is there at every step.

For 250 years, Americans have been building things that matter. And for almost all of that time, freight rail has been right there helping move them across this great country. Here's to the miles of track that keep America rolling!

This June, for , we're spotlighting the people and technology working together to keep our rail network safe. At Union ...
06/11/2026

This June, for , we're spotlighting the people and technology working together to keep our rail network safe. At Union Pacific Railroad, AI-powered Machine Vision helps track inspectors do their jobs with greater precision.

The system combines high-resolution cameras, sensors, and AI software to scan track infrastructure and surface data that teams can act on — helping to identify emerging issues before they affect safety or service. In 2025, Union Pacific teams inspected more than 644,000 miles of track using geometry systems that generated over 100 billion measurements.

That data is converted into practical insights inspectors use in the field every day. Technology like this supports the judgment of the skilled professionals who keep our railroads operating safely.

U.S. railroads are on the move! Our Policy and Economics team reports total U.S. rail traffic up 7.8% for the week endin...
06/11/2026

U.S. railroads are on the move! Our Policy and Economics team reports total U.S. rail traffic up 7.8% for the week ending June 06, 2026, compared with the same week last year.

Key highlights this week:

🌾 Grain: +9.2%

🪨 Metallic ores & metals: +9.1%

🚘️ Motor Vehicles and Parts: +6.1%

📦 Carloads: +1.0% year-over-year

🚛 Intermodal: +13.6% year-over-year

Link in comments ⬇️⬇️

06/10/2026

Advanced technologies are transforming how freight rail operates—from smarter inspections to better real-time data. But policy needs to keep pace.

As AAR CEO Ian Jefferies emphasized for Congress, the focus should be on what actually improves safety—not adding requirements without clear results. A smarter, data-driven approach will ensure reliable rail service and a more efficient network.

06/08/2026

The June Rail Industry Overview (RIO) from AAR's Policy and Economics team is out now.

The report shows consumer confidence has softened, and inflation pressures have re-emerged — yet the movement of goods across the rail network continues to tell a more constructive story.

Rail container traffic reached a record year-to-date high, and grain traffic is at its highest level since 1990. In May, 15 of 20 carload categories posted year-over-year gains, and the AAR Freight Rail Index hit its highest level in 17 months.

Rail markets continue to point to an economy that is proving more resilient than many expected. Read the full report in the comments!

06/05/2026

☕ Episode 2 of Coffee Break is here— and it's a big one!

AAR sat down with Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs for a frank conversation about what's really driving rail regulation today — permitting reform, data modernization, and finding the right balance between oversight and economic growth.

From new rail spurs serving industrial parks to biofuels facilities, this episode explores how smart policy can help railroads meet the needs of shippers and communities across the country.

🎧 Tune in now and subscribe to The Signal to stay connected to the conversations shaping the future of rail. Link in the comments!

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