Key Takeaway: Railroads carefully consider several factors when determining train length. Thanks to improved infrastructure, advanced modeling tools, training programs and technological advancements, railroads have safely increased train length while improving overall safety record, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing GHG emissions.There is no standard definition of a “long train.” Recent legislation defines a long train as 7,500 feet, and railroads have operated millions of trains exceeding that length without incident or notice for the past 80 years. The industry’s safety record has improved even though trains are longer today. Since 2000, based on FRA data, there has been a:42% decline in the Class I mainline accident rate.75% decline in the hazmat accident rate to an all-time low.27% decline in the total train accident rate.50% decline in the employee injury rate. Slide 1Class I Railroad Train Lengths“Long trains” have operated safely for decades, and the industry’s safety recor...
