Putting Technology to Work: How Freight Rail Delivers the 21st Century
This paper outlines innovations and growth in railroad freight in the United States, and indicates future developments. Locomotives are equipped with advanced computer systems for maximal operation and fuel efficiency. Smart sensors throughout the rail network monitor rail infrastructure and equipment to ensure operational efficiency and safety. The data derived from the sensor network are analyzed at command centers to develop real-time maintenance and improve the network's operation and productivity. Substantial ongoing expenditure on infrastructure, equipment and technology, over $100 billion in the last four years, enables the movement of more freight more efficiently, safely and cleanly. Significant results have been achieved: train accident rates have fallen 32% over the past 10 years; rail traffic has increased 84% since 1981, with no increase in the size of the railroad network; and rail shipment now costs about 46% less than in 1983. These benefits extend beyond the rail network to the automobile, energy production and farming industries, and position the freight rail industry to meet future transportation tasks, including the predicted rise in U.S. freight from 18.1 billion tons in 2015 to 25.5 billion tons in 2040, an increase of 41%.
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Corporate Authors:
Association of American Railroads
Washington, DC United States - Publication Date: 2018-5
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References;
- Pagination: 14p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Cargo handling equipment; Freight trains; Railroads; Technological forecasting; Technological innovations
- Geographic Terms: United States
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01681506
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Sep 21 2018 9:34AM