The State of U.S. Railroads: A Review of Capacity and Performance Data

U.S. railroads have improved their productivity, but increasing freight volume threatens performance - degrading capacity constraints. This report describes the current state of railroad capacity and performance for freight transportation. The public consequences of private investment decisions justify a public role in addressing concerns about railroads, but better data and analysis are needed to inform transportation policymaking.U.S. railroads have improved their productivity, but increasing freight volume threatens to cause performance - degrading capacity constraints. This report describes the current state of railroad capacity and performance for freight transportation.