For railroads, longer freight trains are a way to cut down expenses: CSX, the third largest American railroad by revenue, has increased its trains by 400 feet to an average length of 6,833 feet in total since Hunter Harrison became CEO in March.
There are currently no regulations which specifically govern the length of freight trains, but the Government Accountability Office, Congress’ investigative branch, is launching an investigation into whether increasing the length of freight trains is a safety risk. The Ledger reports that the investigation is partly in response to the derailment of the derailment and resulting fire of a 178-car train in Hyndman, Pa., and a 192-car train in Lakeland, Fla., that spilled molten sulphur. Both were operated by CSX.
The Federal Railroad Administration and the Surface Transportation Board are separately investigating safety concerns related to longer trains, according to the FRA. The Ledger reports that the FRA has had a greater presence on CSX properties in recent months, partly on account of the recent spike in incidents.
Neither agency currently compiles data on the average length of freight trains, but railroads across the country are increasing the length of their trains. Any proposed regulation limiting the length of trains is likely to face push-back from railroad companies on the grounds that the new rules will drive up operating costs.
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