Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Freight

Freight Rail Industry Planning Record Investment in 2012

An increase in American exports is helping drive a record-level of new investment in freight rail, according to a news release by the Association of American Railroads.

A Chicago freight yard. Freight rail is planning a record level of investment in the coming year. Photo: ##http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/chicago-transit-capacity-enhancements/chicago-transit-capacity-enhancements6.html## Railway-Technology.com##

The railroad industry is planning a $13 billion investment in the nation's freight rail network in 2012. That would round out the biggest three-year period of investment in history, according to the organization.

The investment binge is brought on by a recovering US economy, a spokesman for the organization said. Much of the investment is in multi-modal facilities that will help facilitate truck to train transport. New investments will also expand service to the nation's ports.

“Unlike trucks, barges or airlines, America’s freight railroads operate on infrastructure they own, build and maintain themselves so taxpayers don’t have to," said Edward Hamberger, AAR president and CEO. “These investments help businesses get their goods to market more efficiently and affordably, so they too can innovate, invest and hire. That’s how freight rail spurs the American economy and supports jobs all across the country.”

Freight rail is expected to hire 15,000 workers this year. This includes replacing retiring workers as well as adding new employees.

A spokesman for the organization said some companies are shifting from trucking to freight rail, but there are a number of complicated factors that have contributed to increased demand. For example, whether companies choose freight rail over trucking depends a lot on the commodity being shipped, she said.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Our Streets Look Like War Zones — But What if They Were ‘Sites of Peacebuilding’ Instead?

A peace and conflict studies scholar weighs in on what car culture has in common with global conflicts — and why we need to confront violence on our roads if we want to end violence around the globe.

September 23, 2025

‘Treated and Streeted’: How Even a Massive Safety Net Fails Homeless People

New York City's $30-billion social safety net cannot reliably get a homeless person in psychiatric crisis out of the subway and into a hospital bed, a Streetsblog investigation has found.

September 23, 2025

There’s Good Science Behind the Human Craving for Livable Streets

It's time to understanding the science of pedestrian-friendly cities. Or, why streets should be designed like gardens.

September 23, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Get a Pink Slip

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi acknowledges the ethical concerns of replacing human drivers with computers, but acts powerless to stop it.

September 23, 2025

How Trump’s Latest Multimodal Clawbacks Are Different — And How They Could Devastate Communities

The latest attack on multimodal transportation is more brazen and destructive than ever before — and the Trump administration is no longer hiding its disdain for walking and biking projects.

September 22, 2025

Zohran Mamdani On E-Bike Safety: Regulate App Algorithms, Not Workers

The presumptive mayor is joining the war against e-bikes ... on the side of the e-bikes.

September 22, 2025
See all posts