Rail is one of the most efficient modes of transportation, particularly for moving large volumes over long distances. Because it can haul significant quantities in a single trip, rail offers a lower cost per ton-mile—the cost of moving one ton over one mile—compared to trucking. In addition, trains require less energy to travel between locations and can carry freight equivalent to approximately 300 trucks. 

 While trucks may seem faster than trains, transit times for rail and over-the-road trucking can often be comparable. Additionally, trains are less affected by traffic congestion and road construction delays, allowing them to move shipments over long distances both quickly and efficiently. 

 Unlike trucks and planes, rail offers substantial carrying capacity that can scale with your business as shipping needs change. It can also accommodate shipments of many sizes and types—from bulk commodities like grain to oversized cargo such as wind turbines.  

 You may be surprised to learn that railroad tracks span nearly 140,000 miles across the United States, connecting major markets from coast to coast. Even if rail access is not available at your facility, most railroads can coordinate door-to-door solutions through intermodal transportation or transloading services. 

 Rail is one of the most environmentally responsible modes of transportation. On average, railroads can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, making trains about four times more fuel-efficient than trucks. Additionally, data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that freight railroads account for only 0.6% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and just 2.0% of emissions from the transportation sector.