Railroads Gain Freight as Trucking Tightens

More freight is moving by rail.

On October 22, 2026, Norfolk Southern reported its third-quarter financial results.

The railroad company's freight volume increased 3% compared with the same quarter last year.

Revenue reached $3.5 billion, up 14%. Higher fuel surcharges accounted for a large part of that increase.

Norfolk Southern said demand for rail transportation increased as the trucking market became tighter.

The company believes rail transportation is becoming more attractive to shippers.

!What This Means for CDL Drivers

Railroads compete with trucking companies for some long-distance freight.

But intermodal transportation also needs truck drivers to move containers between rail terminals, warehouses, and customers.