"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Thus begins the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence of these United States of America which we recognize on its 250th anniversary with great celebrations. We think back to what made and shaped America and must start with the founding fathers, that first generation of...

Railroads often highlight that they are ~4x more fuel efficient than trucks, and over the long run, that’s true. But in the short term, fuel surcharge (FSC) mechanics can tell a very different story. Unlike trucking, where fuel surcharges adjust weekly based on DOE diesel averages, rail FSC programs typically lag 2–3 months behind fuel price movements. That delay is about to matter. As fuel prices surged earlier this year, rail FSCs remained relatively moderate. Consider the FSC program of...

Technology, potential industry consolidation, and evolving supply chain strategies are reshaping how freight moves across North America. For nearly two centuries, the “iron horse” has been the backbone of North American industry. Today, the rail sector is once again at an important point of transition. New digital technologies are transforming how railroads manage their networks, a potential historic merger could reshape the competitive landscape, and many companies are reevaluating the role...