State Rail Network


Class I Railroads

BNSF Railway 2,087
Union Pacific 3,362
Total 5,449

Short Line Railroads

Arizona & California Railroad 91
California Northern Railroad 282
Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad 65
Goose Lake Railway 95
Merced County Central Valley Railroad 1
Total 1,422
2022 Source: Association of American Railroads (AAR). Data represents most recent available annual reporting. AAR Logo

Moving California's Economy. Connecting Communities.


Freight rail provides the seamless connections that keep California’s economy on track, from its 11 ports and Mexican border trade, to Inland Empire manufacturers and distribution centers, to its many farms and wineries.

Originating

Top Commodities Originating
Intermodal 36.9M Tons | 2.8M Cars
Food Products 4.4M Tons | 50.5K Cars
Chemicals 3M Tons | 29.6K Cars
Cement 2.4M Tons | 22.2K Cars
Crushed Stone & Sand 2M Tons | 18.3K Cars
Other 8.1M Tons | 164.5K Cars

Received

Top Commodities Received / Terminated
Intermodal 41M Tons | 2.6M Cars
Food Products 11.7M Tons | 120.5K Cars
Farm Products 10.8M Tons | 101.8K Cars
Chemicals 10.6M Tons | 110.6K Cars
Petroleum Products 5.3M Tons | 64.2K Cars
Other 24.3M Tons | 343.7K Cars
CALIFORNIA'S

State Grants


IRCP – Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program

Rail

SRA – State Rail Assistance Program

Rail

SCCP – Solutions for Congested Corridors Program

Grant

TCEP – Trade Corridor Enhancement Program

Infrastructure

Join the movement in support of freight rail in your state and across North America.

Why Freight Rail Matters


Supports Manufacturing Icon

Supports Manufacturing

Rail connects manufacturers with suppliers and customers across North America, efficiently moving raw materials and finished goods.

Strengthens Agriculture Icon

Strengthens Agriculture

Rail helps move crops, forest products, fertilizers and other agricultural goods efficiently and affordably.

Reduces Congestion Icon

Reduces Congestion

Moving freight by rail removes trucks from highways, helping reduce traffic and wear on road infrastructure.

Protects the Environment Icon

Protects the Environment

Freight rail is significantly more fuel efficient than moving freight by truck, helping reduce fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Rail at Work


See All

Featured Rail Supply Companies


See All

icon_railfreight

44 percent
decrease

in rail rates on average from 1981 to today.


That means the average rail customer today can ship significantly more freight for about the same price they paid 40 years ago. 

State Director

California
Nate Kaplan

Nate Kaplan

State Director

With a decade of experience working in the rail industry, Nate covers the Western United States and parts of New England for GoRail. His background in local, state, and federal government makes him an effective transportation and public policy leader.