Toxic Exposures Blog

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North America’s Largest Railroads

Published by Web Editor

1. Union Pacific Railroad (UP)

Union Pacific is the largest railroad in the U.S. by freight volume and operates an extensive network primarily in the western two-thirds of the country.

  • Employees: Approximately 32,000 employees.
  • Miles of Track: Spans over 32,000 miles across 23 states.
  • Operations: UP transports a wide range of commodities, including agricultural products, coal, chemicals, and industrial goods.

2. BNSF Railway (BNSF)

BNSF Railway is one of the largest freight railroads in North America, operating an extensive network across the western and central U.S.

  • Employees: Employs around 40,000 people.
  • Miles of Track: Manages over 32,500 miles of track across 28 states.
  • Operations: BNSF handles a diverse range of freight, including consumer products, coal, grain, and automobiles.

3. CSX Transportation (CSX)

CSX is a major Class I railroad operating primarily in the eastern U.S., connecting major markets from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Employees: Employs approximately 19,000 people.
  • Miles of Track: Covers over 21,000 miles across 23 states and the District of Columbia.
  • Operations: CSX transports a mix of commodities, including intermodal containers, coal, chemicals, and agricultural products.

4. Norfolk Southern Railway (NS)

Norfolk Southern operates an extensive rail network in the eastern U.S., serving major ports and metropolitan areas.

  • Employees: Employs around 24,000 individuals.
  • Miles of Track: Manages over 19,500 miles of track across 22 states.
  • Operations: NS transports a variety of goods, including coal, automotive products, chemicals, and metals.

5. Canadian National Railway (CN)

While headquartered in Canada, CN operates a significant rail network in the U.S., connecting major cities and ports.

  • Employees: Employs over 24,000 people.
  • Miles of Track: Spans approximately 20,000 miles across 11 U.S. states.
  • Operations: CN transports a diverse range of freight, including petroleum and chemicals, grain, and forest products.

6. Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)

Canadian Pacific operates a major rail network in Canada and the northern U.S., connecting the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

  • Employees: Employs around 12,000 individuals.
  • Miles of Track: Manages over 13,000 miles of track across 7 U.S. states.
  • Operations: CP transports commodities such as grain, coal, potash, and forest products.

7. Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS)

KCS is a Class I railroad with a primary focus on north-south freight transportation in the central and southern U.S.

  • Employees: Employs approximately 7,000 people.
  • Miles of Track: Operates over 6,000 miles of track across 10 U.S. states.
  • Operations: KCS transports a variety of freight, including automotive products, chemicals, and agriculture.

8. Ferromex (FXE)

Ferromex operates as a subsidiary of Grupo México, primarily serving Mexico but with significant operations in the southwestern U.S.

  • Employees: Employs over 10,000 individuals.
  • Miles of Track: Manages approximately 5,500 miles of track in the U.S., primarily in Arizona and California.
  • Operations: FXE transports automotive products, agricultural goods, and industrial materials.

9. Alaska Railroad (ARR)

Alaska Railroad is the only Class II railroad in the U.S., operating within the state of Alaska.

  • Employees: Employs around 600 people.
  • Miles of Track: Manages over 500 miles of track connecting Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Seward.
  • Operations: ARR transports freight and passengers, supporting Alaska’s economy and tourism industry.

10. Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation)

Amtrak is the national passenger railroad service in the U.S., operating an extensive network of intercity passenger trains.

  • Employees: Employs approximately 20,000 individuals.
  • Miles of Track: Manages over 21,400 miles of track in partnership with freight railroads across the country.
  • Operations: Amtrak provides passenger transportation services, connecting major cities and regions throughout the US.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers represents railroaders with life-changing injuries and diagnoses including cancer, leukemia, and pulmonary conditions caused by exposures on the railroad. Every job on the railroad comes with a unique set of exposures that can make railroaders sick. We stand behind these railroaders and hold their employers accountable across the country.

Call us today at 618-681-9999

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