National Academies Warns Over Long Freight Trains

A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences highlights the rising safety concerns associated with increasingly long freight trains, which can exceed 14,000 feet. The findings indicate a direct correlation between the length of trains and the number of derailments caused by the forces exerted when railcars push and pull against each other. Experts, including Penn State professor Peter Swan, emphasize that while long trains are not inherently dangerous, improper assembly can lead to significant risks. The report urges Congress and regulators to implement precautions and assess the implications for passenger services and highway traffic disruptions. Unions representing train crews have voiced concerns over the handling of these lengthy trains, particularly in uneven terrain, where communication can be compromised. This study follows increased scrutiny on railroad safety after last year's Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.