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

Spooky Stuff: On Halloween, Some States Will Have Deadlier Roads Than Others

Find out how yours ranks — and what policymakers can do to make streets less scary.

October 30, 2025

Who Are Thursday’s Headlines For?

Non-drivers still perceive streets as being for cars even when they have bike lanes. And that's because, in many cases, they are.

October 30, 2025

An Olympian Task: Replicating Paris’s Bike Boom in Los Angeles

The Olympics can help transform the streets of Los Angeles  — if they look to the example of Paris.

October 29, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Are a Clear and Present Danger

Rescinding the "endangerment finding" could not only exacerbate climate change, it could also throw entire industries into chaos.

October 29, 2025

What’s More Regressive: Modest Driving Surcharges to Help Fund Transit, or Forced Car Ownership?

Do Illinois state senators and reps really want to make the financial burden on their constituents less "regressive"? If so they can start by ensuring that as many people as possible can live their lives without spending $12,000 annually just to leave their homes.

October 28, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Pay High Prices for Highway Repairs

If the U.S. didn't spend so much money on repaving roads, there might be more left over for other things, like transit.

October 28, 2025
See all posts