The US railroad industry includes about 360 railroads with combined annual revenue of about $57 billion. Major freight railroads include Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, and Norfolk Southern. Amtrak is the sole nationwide passenger rail service. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate nearly 100 percent of revenue.
The US government classifies freight railroads by size. Seven line-haul Class I railroads operate nationwide on high-density, intercity traffic lanes. Class I carriers account for more than 90 percent of the industry revenue and about two-thirds of overall track mileage. About 30 regional Class II railroads typically operate routes of about 500 miles between two to four states. More than 300 shortline Class III railroads haul cargo 350 or fewer miles on local rail lines.
Commuter, switching and terminal, and tourist railroads are not included in the industry.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Demand is driven by sales of bulk commodities and other items best transported by rail. The profitability of individual companies depends on operating efficiently and controlling maintenance expenses. Large companies have advantages in owning systems that connect numerous markets and enable them to serve national customers. Small companies can compete effectively by serving local markets.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major services are the transport of commodities, including coal, grain, crushed rock, and chemicals; containers of consumer goods; automobiles; and passengers. The overwhelming majority of railroad revenue comes from transporting commodities. Coal accounts ...
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