Trains are one of those things that you might always see or hear but not know too much about. While the railroads are responsible for much of the transportation and commerce around the United States, they don’t receive a lot of public attention.
We are here to say that trains are downright interesting if you give them the time of day. There’s a lot to learn, and, as a layman, a lot to be surprised by when it comes to the railroads of the United States. We thought we’d start you off with some surprising train facts.
Our Railroad System Significantly Reduces Highway Congestion
One single train can take an average of 300 trucks off the road. The next time your sedan is wedged between two tractor-trailers on the interstate, think about what the highways of America would look like with thousands more of those types of vehicles on the road.
Congestion is one thing, but think of the infrastructure savings when you keep roadway wear and tear to a minimum. Trains keep our nation’s highways, roadways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure from prematurely failing.
Rail Cars Far Outweigh Tractor Trailers
We already mentioned that one train can be the equivalent of 300 trucks. However, how does that equate to actual weight? Picture your average tractor-trailer—the federal highway administration has set a max weight limit on that trailer of 80,000 pounds. That’s 40 tons! It seems like a lot, doesn’t it?
On the other hand, the average train is capable of handling 285,000 pounds. A fleet of trucks still fails to equal the capabilities of a single train.
The Most Environmentally Friendly Way to Transport on Land is by Rail
Trains generate a carbon footprint that is 75% less than trucks. Take a look at our source. What does that mean in regular terms? Just one gallon of gas will power a train for 480 miles. While trains only handle 40% of our land freight, they generate only 2.1% of the carbon emissions in that category.
You Can Speak “Railroad”
Have you ever wanted to pick up a second language? Consider speaking “railroad!” Yes, it’s true; railroad workers have their own unique language, using words you won’t find elsewhere. Here’s a comprehensive glossary of the terms and their meaning.
600+ Railroads Operate in the United States Alone
The public can sometimes have the perception that the American railroad system is on the outs, or that it’s diminished highly from the glory days. While it’s true that we relied much more on rail before the automobile was invented, trains are still going strong in our country. The United States has over 600 operating railroads in 49 states spanning approximately 92,000 miles.
Most Railroad Tracks are Private & Maintained Privately
Public roadways are maintained with federal tax dollars. You might be surprised to know that the overwhelming majority of our railroad is privately owned and must be privately maintained. Money earned is money spent on the maintenance of the railroads that we all depend on. This isn’t just impressive, but a remarkable achievement in saving tax dollars.
Northern Rail Services provides new track construction services all throughout New England. We offer specialized planning to maximize your construction dollar and minimize your downtime. Track design is also available to help you bring your vision to reality. At Northern Rail Services, no job is too big or small. Reach out to us to learn more.