Cargo rail companies are an essential part of the United States transportation industry, transporting goods across the country efficiently and effectively.
These companies play a vital role in the nation’s economy, and their services are critical to various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.
Top 5 Largest Cargo Rail Companies in the US
We will identify and describe the five largest cargo rail companies in the United States. Then, we will delve into their history, current operations, financial performance, and market position to comprehensively understand these companies.
1. Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad is the largest cargo rail company in the United States, operating in 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country. Established in 1862, the company has a rich history and has been at the forefront of innovation in the transportation industry.
The company’s current operations focus on shipping products like coal, agricultural, industrial, and intermodal containers. With a network of over 32,000 miles of track, Union Pacific Railroad has a significant presence in the western United States.
Union Pacific Railroad’s financial performance is impressive, with the company reporting $20.2 billion in revenue in 2020. The company’s market position is also strong, as it is the largest cargo rail company in the United States and one of the largest in the world.
Here are some key facts about Union Pacific Railroad:
- Union Pacific Railroad has a workforce of around 32,000 employees
- Their headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska.
- Union Pacific Railroad received E.H. Harriman Award for its safety performance in 2020.
2. BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway is the second-largest cargo rail company in the United States, operating in 28 states across the country’s western, central, and southeastern regions. Established in 1995, the company is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., the holding company led by billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
BNSF Railway’s operations focus on shipping a wide range of products, including consumer goods, agricultural products, and industrial products. With a network of over 32,500 miles of track, the company has an extensive presence in the western and central United States.
Regarding financial performance, BNSF Railway reported $22.6 billion in revenue in 2020. The company’s market position is strong, as it is the second-largest cargo rail company in the United States and one of the largest in the world.
3. CSX Transportation
CSX Transportation is the third-largest cargo rail company in the United States, operating in 23 states in the eastern United States. The company was founded in 1980, and its headquarters are in Jacksonville, Florida.
Their operations focus on transporting a wide range of products, including agricultural products, chemicals, and consumer goods. The company’s network spans over 21,000 miles of track, primarily in the eastern United States.
About CSX Transportation:
- The company has a workforce of around 18,000 employees.
- CSX Transportation has made significant investments in technology, such as its Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) system, which aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- The company has also been recognized for its sustainability efforts, receiving the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index Award for the second consecutive year in 2020.
4. Norfolk Southern Railway
Norfolk Southern Railway’s operations focus on transporting a range of products, including coal, automotive products, and intermodal containers. The company has over 19,500 miles of track network in the eastern United States.
As for wealth, Norfolk Southern Railway reported $9.9 billion in revenue. The company’s market position is strong, as it is one of the largest cargo rail companies in the eastern United States.
5. Canadian Pacific Railway:
Canadian Pacific Railway is a major cargo rail company in Canada and operates in the northern United States. The company was established in 1881 and was headquartered in Calgary, Alberta.
Canadian Pacific Railway’s operations focus on transporting a range of products, including grain, coal, and intermodal containers. The company has over 12,500 miles of track network in Canada and the northern United States.
Canadian Pacific Railway secured CAD 7.7 billion (USD 6.1 billion) in revenue. The company’s market position is strong, as it is one of Canada’s largest cargo rail companies in Canada and has a growing presence in the northern United States.
