Protecting America's Environment

Protecting Graphic

"The railroad companies are far more fuel-efficient than trucks and relatively cheaper as fuel prices soar."

The Wall Street Journal
July 25, 2008


America’s short line railroads provide fuel savings and environmentally friendly shipping for small businesses and communities around the country. Short lines provide efficient transportation services, while maintaining and protecting the environments in which they operate.

    Did You Know?

  • One rail freight car can carry the equivalent of four truck loads.
  • Railroads consume almost a third less fuel than trucks per ton mile moved.
  • One rail car can carry a ton of cargo 436 miles on one gallon of fuel.
  • Railroads are working to reduce emissions of particulate matter by 90% and nitrogen oxide by 80%.

Short line railroads take the equivalent of nearly 33 million truck loads off the highways. Diverting those truckloads from the highway saves the country over $1.4 billion annually in highway repair costs. Freight moved by rail also improves highway safety and congestion.

Railroads reduce congestion, are cost efficient and the best choice for the environment.

Short line and regional railroads are committed to protecting and preserving the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many local railroads are utilizing innovative locomotive technologies that significantly reduce emissions and some are using cleaner, alternative fuels, such as biodiesel. Short line and regional railroads also serve over 30 ethanol plants across the United States.

“Railroads have been going green for years, but lately they’ve been trying to broaden their environmental consciousness. Skyrocketing fuel prices, higher operating expenses, heightened public awareness about global warming, and growing interest among shippers and commuters to reduce their own carbon footprints all have rekindled interest in rail as a more — if not the most — environmentally friendly and efficient transport mode.”

Progressive Railroading
August 11, 2008

Download .pdf of ASLRRA Fact Sheet   Fact Sheet