Join the nationwide movement
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Hands of steel, hearts of dedication.
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Always moving forward.
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Driving growth, creating employment.
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Trackside passion, passenger connections.
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Greener journeys, cleaner future.
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Rich heritage, lasting impact.
Workforce
George Bollinger Secretary, North Florida Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Jacksonville, FL
"I am a Rail Champion because the Iron Road is the most efficient mode of transportation to move freight. As a CSX retiree after 34 years—having been hired by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad, the route of the "Orange Blossom Special"—I was blessed to have employment in an industry that is innovative and is dedicated to both the employees and the customers. It continues to espouse the belief in the private enterprise foundation of America. If I could do it all over again, I would be a railroader.”
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Innovation & Safety
Kari Gonzales President & CEO, MxV Rail, Pueblo, CO
At MxV Rail, we are Rail Champions because of our shared commitment and purpose to improving safety, reliability, efficiency, and resiliency in our industry. While I’ve been traveling to international conferences this fall, I’ve been struck by the passion and collaboration MxV Rail supports across our global rail research community. As hosts for the first ever combined conference of the World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR) and the International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) next year, we will connect great minds and professionals to develop an even stronger network of Rail Champions.
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Economy & Jobs
L. Michael Ross President, Franklin County Area Development Corporation, Chambersburg, PA
“I am a Rail Champion because rail has been a cornerstone to the economic growth of Franklin County, PA. Rail service is essential to the effectiveness of a fully integrated economic development and transportation strategy. Having service by CSX, Norfolk Southern, and the PA Southern short line has contributed significantly to more than $3.4 billion of capital investments and the creation and retention of approximately 62,000 jobs across our county.”
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Romance of the Rails
John C. Stashik Railfan, El Cerrito, CA
“I’m a Rail Champion because tried and true steel wheels on steel rail is still the most efficient, affordable, and environmentally-friendly way to move cargo and people like me. I live in Northern California, but love riding Amtrak all across the country. Besides, trains are just plain fun.”
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Sustainability
Jo E. Strang SVP, Safety, Regulatory, and Environmental Policy, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, Washington, DC
"I'm a Rail Champion because moving goods by rail dramatically reduces environmental impact, lowering CO2 emissions and highway congestion. Railroads are continually advancing their environmental edge with innovations like fuel-efficient locomotives and smart technologies that further shrink their carbon footprint."
Resources:
- Report: Freight Railroads and Climate Change [Association of American Railroads]
- Five Things to Know: What Railroads Are Doing About Climate Change [GoRail]
- Environmental Impact [American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association]
- Event: Annual Railroad Environmental Conference [RAILTEC, University of Illinois]
Legacy and History
Dr. Margaret Staggers Daughter of Staggers Rail Act author U.S. Rep. Harley Staggers of West Virginia, and former West Virginia state delegate
“I'm a Rail Champion because my father's legacy, the Staggers Rail Act, transformed American railroads into the backbone of our economy. His vision of a strong, interconnected rail system continues to drive progress and prosperity for communities across the nation.”
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Why are you a Rail Champion?
Together, we can make a real difference.
LEARN
Explore how U.S. railroads drive the economy, support jobs, and move goods efficiently and sustainably, all while partnering with passenger services to keep America moving.
Visual Toolkit
Download & ShareDOWNLOAD (905)Rail Champion Visual ToolkitFILE SIZE: 32.69 MB
Network
More than 620 Class I and short line railroads operate across 135,000 track- miles in the U.S. The six Class I railroads are the largest carriers, traversing 49 states and the District of Columbia.
Spending
Freight railroads have spent more than $830 billion on locomotives, freight cars, tracks, bridges, tunnels and other equipment and technology since 1980. This equates to 39 cents of every dollar earned.
Workforce
The approx. 140,000 freight rail employees are among America’s most highly compensated. In 2023, the average Class I employee earned total compensation of $149,000—more than 92% of U.S. employees.
Sustainability
One train can move a ton of freight 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel, on average. Rail moves about 40% of U.S. long-distance freight but accounts for just 1.8% of transportation-related emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Economic Impact
Class I railroad investments support hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in U.S. economic output. Railroads average more than 18% or six times higher capital spending than the average U.S. manufacturer.
Cost Efficiency
The average rail shipper can move much more freight today for about the same price they paid over 40 years ago. Average U.S. freight rail rates, measured by inflation-adjusted revenue per ton-mile, are 40% lower today than in 1980.
Partner to Passenger
Outside of the Northeast Corridor, Class I-owned tracks host most intercity passenger rail operations and some commuter rail operations. About 70% of Amtrak’s miles-traveled occur on tracks owned by freight railroads.
Supply Chain Workhorse
Together with trucks and barges, freight rail ships 59 tons of goods per American every year. Redesigned railcars have helped increase average tonnage. In 2023, the average freight train carried 3,948 tons, up from 2,923 tons in 2000.
Trains help move the goods and people of our nation, increasing competitiveness, lowering costs, and enhancing our communities through emissions and congestion mitigation. Rail Champions gives voice to everyday Americans who believe in the importance of reliable, affordable, and efficient rail transportation. We are a movement of people, like you, across the country championing rail as a net positive to sustainable growth, prosperity, and quality of life.
