U.S. freight railroads employ approximately
174,000 workers, the vast majority of whom are
unionized. With average total compensation in
2003 of $84,000, freight railroad employees are
among the nation’s most-highly compensated
workers.
U.S. freight railroads are at the top among all
major domestic industries by measure of capital
intensity. From 1980-2003, Class I railroads invested
more than $320 billion (or 44% of their operating
revenue) on capital expenditures and maintenance
expenses related to infrastructure and equipment.
Non-Class I railroads invested billions of dollars
more. These extensive expenditures help to ensure
that railroads have the capability to provide
high-quality, secure, safe, and cost-effective
service to meet the freight transportation needs
of the country.
More than 90% of U.S. freight railroads, including
all Class I and all but one regional railroads,
are privately-owned and operated. Major U.S. freight
railroads receive no appreciable government funding.
By contrast, U.S. passenger railroads, and both
passenger and freight railroads in nearly every
other country, are heavily subsidized.
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