From B&O to BMW, Freight Rail Generates Economic Opportunity in Maryland

The nation’s first common-carrier railroad, the B&O, had its start in downtown Baltimore and was a key to keeping the state competitive in the 19th century. Today, rail investments and innovations have helped the Port of Baltimore set records for the number of intermodal containers and autos to go through the port.

Maryland's nine freight railroads operate over 722 miles of track and employ 737 in the Old Line State.* It would have taken approximately 4.5 million additional trucks to handle the 81.1 million tons of freight that started, ended, or moved through Maryland in 2021. Moving freight by rail prevented 1.48 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking 290,000 cars off the road or planting 22.4 million trees. Intermodal shipments comprise the majority of freight rail shipments beginning in Maryland. Coal is the largest rail import to the state.

*2021 data

Rail at Work

Maryland

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Featured Rail Advocates

Maryland
Donald C. Fry
Donald C. Fry
President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee

Featured Rail Supply Companies

Maryland

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Gregori Construction
Direct Chassis Link
NRCMA
Wabtec Corporation
TTX Company
Cranemasters, Inc.

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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

Maryland
Christy Sammon

Christy Sammon

State Director

Christy Sammon joined GoRail in May 2015. She has 10 years of experience in the governmental relations field.