OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences indicates that as freight trains have become longer, the number of derailments resulting from the forces between connected railcars has also increased. This has prompted regulators, Congress, and the freight industry to reassess the risks associated with these lengthy trains.
The report highlights a significant correlation between derailments caused by in-train forces and extremely long trains, which regularly exceed a mile or two in length. Railroads are urged to exercise caution in how they construct these extended trains, particularly when incorporating various types of cars.
“While long trains themselves aren’t inherently dangerous, improper planning in how to assemble them can lead to risks,” stated Peter Swan, a Penn State University professor and co-author of the report.
This warning resonates with a previous advisory from the Federal Railroad Administration issued last year, emphasizing the need for heightened attention to safety in train assembly.
The trend of using longer trains has enabled major freight railroads—such as CSX, Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, CPKC, and Canadian National—to reduce operational costs by needing fewer crews and locomotives. From 2008 to 2017, the average length of trains increased by approximately 25%. By 2021, some trains had expanded to nearly 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) or more than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long.
However, unions representing train crews have raised concerns that managing longer trains poses additional challenges, especially over uneven terrain. In such lengthy trains, one segment may be climbing a hill while another is descending, creating complex dynamics. Furthermore, communication devices used by rail personnel may not effectively transmit signals across the entire length of the train.
Jared Cassity, safety expert at the SMART-TD union representing conductors, stated, “Everyone involved in rail safety recognizes this issue as critical. The risks associated with long trains affect public safety as well as the safety of crew members.”
Mark Wallace from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen acknowledged that the report reinforces longstanding concerns held by engineers: “Long trains increase the likelihood of derailments, pose communication challenges, and can obstruct public crossings, among other dangers.” The union has urged swift action from Congress and regulators to mitigate these risks.
In defense, the railroads assert that their trains can operate safely regardless of length. Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads, emphasized the focus on safety and noted that railroads utilize technology for modeling train dynamics before assembling railcars.
Despite these assurances, Cassity argued that numerous derailments over the years illustrate the limitations of train-building software and automatic systems that assist engineers.
In the U.S., the annual number of derailments remains above 1,000, averaging over three each day, even as rail traffic has declined. This situation has garnered scrutiny, especially following the catastrophic Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023, which involved hazardous chemicals leaking and igniting. This incident included over 149 cars and extended beyond a mile in length. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that an overheating bearing that eluded detection by trackside sensors triggered the derailment.
The forces generated by long trains present serious derailment risks, particularly as they traverse various terrains. The new report advocates for Congress to ensure that the Federal Railroad Administration has the authority to confront and mitigate the dangers associated with these long trains. Moreover, the report recommends that railroads carefully plan how they operate extended trains.
To enhance control over long trains, it is advisable for railroads to position additional locomotives within the train itself, a strategy that is becoming more common.
Furthermore, careful placement of heavy tank cars, empty cars, and specialized cars fitted with shock absorbers is essential to prevent issues during transit.
Long trains also present community challenges by blocking crossings for prolonged periods, potentially hindering emergency services’ access. They can cause delays for Amtrak passenger trains, which may find themselves stuck behind massive freight trains that cannot navigate side tracks designed for train passing.
The report calls for Congress to empower federal regulators with the ability to penalize railroads for contributing to these obstructive conditions.
