DeepSite - 🧬 RemixComprehensive overview of the major freight railroads operating in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Class I railroads are defined as having annual operating revenues exceeding $505 million (2022 threshold)
| Railroad | Route Miles | Employees | Revenue (2022) | Freight Ton-Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 21,400* | 18,000 | $2.8B | N/A |
| BNSF Railway | 32,500 | 35,000 | $25.9 billion | 905 billion |
| Canadian National | 19,500 | 25,000 | $17.1 billion | 355 billion |
| CPKC Railway | 20,000 | 20,000 | $10.6 billion | 280 billion |
| CSX Transportation | 20,000 | 25,000 | $14.9 billion | 560 billion |
| Kansas City Southern | 6,700 | 6,500 | $3.8 billion | 110 billion |
| Norfolk Southern | 19,500 | 27,000 | $12.7 billion | 520 billion |
| Union Pacific | 32,100 | 32,000 | $24.9 billion | 880 billion |
*Amtrak operates primarily on tracks owned by other railroads
Primary Service Area: Contiguous United States with some routes to Canada
Key Routes: Northeast Corridor, California Zephyr, Empire Builder
Major Connections: All Class I railroads (operates on their tracks)
Unique Fact: Only national intercity passenger rail provider in the US
Freight Service: Limited express freight (Amtrak Express)
Primary Service Area: Western two-thirds of the US
Key Commodities: Coal, intermodal, agricultural products
Major Connections: UP, CN, CPKC, KCS at multiple points
Unique Fact: Largest freight railroad in North America by revenue
Parent Company: Berkshire Hathaway
Primary Service Area: Canada and central US to Gulf Coast
Key Commodities: Forest products, grain, petroleum/chemicals
Major Connections: All Class I railroads at multiple points
Unique Fact: Only transcontinental railroad with access to three coasts
International Reach: Operates in Canada and US with connections to Mexico
Primary Service Area: Canada, midwestern US, Mexico
Key Commodities: Grain, intermodal, energy
Major Connections: CN, BNSF, UP, NS, CSX
Unique Fact: First single-line rail network connecting Canada, US, and Mexico
Recent Merger: Formed in 2023 by merging CP and KCS
Primary Service Area: Eastern US
Key Commodities: Coal, chemicals, intermodal
Major Connections: NS, UP, CN, CPKC
Unique Fact: Operates the longest continuous railroad tunnel in North America (Virginia)
Historical Note: Formed from several historic railroads including Chessie System
Primary Service Area: Midwestern US and Mexico
Key Commodities: Automotive, intermodal, industrial products
Major Connections: UP, BNSF, CN, CPKC
Unique Fact: Only NAFTA railroad prior to CPKC merger
Status: Merged with CP in 2023 to form CPKC
Primary Service Area: Eastern US
Key Commodities: Coal, automotive, intermodal
Major Connections: CSX, UP, CN, CPKC
Unique Fact: Operates extensive intermodal network with Heartland Corridor
Historical Note: Formed from merger of Norfolk & Western and Southern Railway
Primary Service Area: Western two-thirds of the US
Key Commodities: Intermodal, agricultural, industrial products
Major Connections: BNSF, CN, CPKC, NS, CSX
Unique Fact: Largest railroad by route mileage in the US
Historical Note: Completed the first transcontinental railroad in 1869