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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The future of rail safety is being shaped by innovation. In a new article for the Eno Center for Transportation, AAR Pre...
08/27/2026

The future of rail safety is being shaped by innovation. In a new article for the Eno Center for Transportation, AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies highlights how AI-assisted inspections, machine vision, predictive analytics, advanced sensors, and real-time data are helping freight railroads identify risks earlier and improve safety across the nation's rail network.

The article also explores an important policy question: Will federal regulations keep pace with technological progress?

As railroads continue investing in proven technologies that improve safety and reliability, policies should encourage innovation based on results and measurable outcomes, not lock the industry into decades-old approaches. Read the article in the comments.

Did you know that before modern refrigeration, railroads transported both milk and ice to keep growing cities supplied w...
08/26/2026

Did you know that before modern refrigeration, railroads transported both milk and ice to keep growing cities supplied with fresh food?

For nearly a century, milk trains ran overnight from dairy farms to urban markets, while ice trains carried massive blocks of natural ice harvested from lakes and rivers.

These shipments were so time-sensitive that even minor delays could mean spoiled products and major losses. Today, refrigeration is built directly into railcars, warehouses, and transportation equipment.

Instead of moving ice, railroads move refrigerated dairy and frozen products in advanced "re**er" cars that help keep food fresh from origin to destination.

While the methods have evolved, rail remains a vital part of the cold chain that helps deliver the products families rely on every day.

Train robberies aren't just a relic of the Old West. They're a modern threat to America's supply chain. Bloomberg report...
08/25/2026

Train robberies aren't just a relic of the Old West. They're a modern threat to America's supply chain.

Bloomberg reporter Kiel Porter examines how organized theft networks are targeting freight rail shipments and the extensive efforts railroads are making to protect the goods Americans depend on every day.

The story makes one thing clear: combating organized cargo theft requires more than industry investment alone.

Passing the bipartisan Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) would give law enforcement stronger tools to investigate, coordinate and prosecute these increasingly sophisticated criminal operations. Read the article in the comments!

08/24/2026

Freight railroads continue to invest in advanced technology that helps support a strong culture of safety across the rail network.

Digital Train Inspection Portals (DTIPs) scan trains as they pass at normal speed, capturing detailed data on key railcar components and creating a digital health record for each car.

By helping railroad employees identify potential issues sooner, DTIPs support more efficient inspections, targeted maintenance, and proactive repairs.

08/21/2026

We are back with another Harley Explains!

Just because a rail bridge looks old doesn't mean it's unsafe. Freight rail bridges are built to last and are backed by extensive inspection and maintenance programs.

Specialized teams of engineers and inspectors regularly assess every bridge, make repairs when needed, and use technologies like drones and sensors to monitor their condition.

When it comes to rail bridges, what matters isn't how they look. It's the engineering, inspections, and maintenance happening behind the scenes every day.

U.S. railroads are on the move! Our Policy and Economics team reports total U.S. rail traffic up 2.4% for the week endin...
08/21/2026

U.S. railroads are on the move! Our Policy and Economics team reports total U.S. rail traffic up 2.4% for the week ending August 15, 2026, compared with the same week last year.

Key highlights this week:

🪨 Metallic ores & metals: +19.2%

🌲️Forest Products: + 10.5%

🌽 Farm Products excl. Grain, and Food: +7.9%

📦 Carloads: + 1.9% year-over-year 🚛 Intermodal: + 2.7% year-over-year

Link in comments ⬇️⬇️

ICYMI: AAR's Policy & Economics team recently released the August Rail Industry Overview (RIO). One key takeaway is that...
08/20/2026

ICYMI: AAR's Policy & Economics team recently released the August Rail Industry Overview (RIO).

One key takeaway is that manufacturing and rail freight activity are more closely connected than many people realize. Manufacturing is expanding at its fastest pace in more than four years, and rail volumes continue to reflect strength across a broad mix of commodities.

Tracking rail traffic is one of the best ways to follow what's happening in the broader goods economy. The latest data points to continued momentum heading into the second half of 2026.

Link in the comments to the full report!

08/20/2026

AAR thanks U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration for this important investment in grade crossing safety.

Closing more than 30 grade crossings and modernizing over 1,000 others will reduce risk at crossings while improving mobility for motorists, pedestrians, and rail operations alike. Investments like these keep communities safer, ease congestion, and strengthen the freight rail network that keeps America's economy moving.

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Bernie Blalock Jr. on an incredible 50+ years in freight rail!

Bernie's career is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and pride that define our industry. His commitment to keeping trains moving safely and efficiently has left a lasting mark on railroading and serves as an inspiration to generations of railroaders.

☀️ Extreme heat can place additional stress on railroad tracks, equipment, infrastructure, and employees. To help manage...
08/18/2026

☀️ Extreme heat can place additional stress on railroad tracks, equipment, infrastructure, and employees.

To help manage these risks, freight railroads increase inspections, closely monitor weather and track conditions, and take steps to protect workers from heat exposure, including scheduling work during cooler parts of the day and using a buddy system to help identify signs of heat-related illness.

When necessary, railroads may also implement temporary speed restrictions. Combined with year-round maintenance and advanced technologies, these measures help identify potential issues early and support safe, reliable operations.

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