MOVING MOUNTAINS FOR SAFETY

Did you know that freight railroads employ experts who literally scale mountains in the name of safety?

Union Pacific’s rockfall mitigation teams are a prime example of the diverse, specialized careers that keep the rail network running safely. These teams hike, drive, or fly into rugged terrain across states like Colorado, Missouri, and Oklahoma to prevent rockslides that could endanger trains. Using tools like pin-and-drape mesh, rock bolts, and data from slide fences and fire maps, they stabilize landscapes and remove loose debris.

Their work is part of Union Pacific’s $3.4 billion capital investment in safety, infrastructure, and service reliability—proving yet again the important role people with varied backgrounds and expertise play in the freight rail industry.

(Don’t worry if you answered no to the question above. We know a lot about rail and this surprised us, too!)

I SEE IT. I LIKE IT. I DO IT.

Partnering with Indigenous-owned tech firm ORIGIN and its own staff, Canadian National now offers recruits an immersive VR glimpse into railyard life, showcasing operations and career paths. The initiative supports CN’s goal of developing lifelong railroaders—backed by the industry’s 13.9-year median tenure—and promotes inclusion and economic reconciliation through expanded opportunities for Indigenous Peoples under its Reconciliation Action Plan.

EXPERT INPUT: WAIVER PROCESS REQUIRES MODERNIZATION

Owen Rogers of the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) argues that the USDOT’s waiver system—originally intended to provide flexibility—has instead become a barrier to innovation and is in urgent need of reform.

“In recent years, the waiver process has become increasingly politicized, unpredictable, and slow, and the need for reform is clear. In some cases, railroads have waited over a year for the FRA to make a decision. These waiver delays halt innovation and deployment of new technology, increasing costs that could be passed on to consumers. In a system this difficult and slow, applicants need the ability to track their waiver status and review the FRA analysis in real time, the way we track an Amazon order from warehouse to doorstep.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, June 11, 1:30pm (ET)

The American Consumer Institute (ACI) will release findings of a new national poll on VMT taxes, particularly as it relates to commercial vehicles.

Thursday, June 5, 2-3pm (ET)

GoRail will showcase how freight rail is helping companies and supply chains reduce their emissions, especially in the intermodal sector, where major partners like UPS are leading the way.

FULL CIRCLE FREIGHT

SA Recycling is expanding thanks to a new rail spur connecting directly to Norfolk Southern’s 24/7 Doraville, GA yard. The upgrade boosts capacity from 14 to 25 carloads per day.

The site, which includes a shredder that can process 200 cars per hour, plays a key role in the circular economy—recycling autos, appliances, steel, and more. With 20 facilities across Georgia and growing rail capacity, SA Recycling is just one example of the many customers freight rail helps grow.

IT’S A WRAP!

Our team just returned from Chicago, where we had the incredible opportunity to visit locomotive shops, rail yards, and training centers across all six Class I railroads. Along the way, we met the dedicated individuals who keep freight rail running—and their stories embody the heart and soul of this essential industry.

From a mother who tearfully celebrated her new rail job with her children, to a railroader with 46 years of service and unwavering pride, we heard powerful reflections on why people choose a life on the rails—and why they stay.

We can’t wait to share these inspiring moments with you. Videos are coming soon—stay tuned!

(And yes, we all cried ourselves when we heard that first story!)

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