GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Freight Train Speed Statistics

Freight train speeds typically range from 25 to 70 miles per hour, with an average speed of around 50 miles per hour.

Last Updated: June 17, 2024

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In this post, we explore the varying speeds of freight trains around the world, from the average speed of U.S. freight trains at 23.5 mph to the high-speed capabilities of European, Australian, Russian, and Indian freight trains. We also take a closer look at the average train speeds of major U.S. freight carriers such as Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, as well as freight trains in Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Join us as we analyze the data on freight train speeds and discover the differences in railway transportation across different countries.

Statistic 1

"The average speed of U.S freight trains is 23.5 mph."

Statistic 2

"European freight trains can travel up to 60 to 75 mph."

Statistic 3

"Union Pacific, a freight carrier, reached an average train speed of 24 mph in 2020."

Statistic 4

"The top speed for Australian freight trains is generally 115 km/h (71 mph)."

Statistic 5

"Russian freight trains can reach speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph)."

Statistic 6

"In India, the average speed of freight train is about 25 mph."

Statistic 7

"CSX, another major U.S. freight railroad, had an average train speed of 20.3 mph in 2020."

Statistic 8

"Norfolk Southern, one of the largest freight railways in the U.S, reported an average train speed of 22.3 mph in 2020."

Statistic 9

"Mexico’s Ferromex freight train travel at an average speed of 24.2 mph."

Statistic 10

"Freight trains in Saudi Arabia have an average speed of 55mph."

Statistic 11

"In 2015, Russia launched a high-speed freight train that can reach 90 km/h (56 mph)."

It is evident from the statistics provided that freight train speeds vary significantly across different countries and rail carriers. While U.S. freight trains generally operate at an average speed of around 20-25 mph, European and Australian freight trains can reach higher speeds, ranging from 60-115 km/h. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are among the top U.S. freight carriers with average train speeds slightly above the national average. However, it is notable that some countries like Saudi Arabia have significantly higher average freight train speeds compared to others. This diversity in speeds reflects the varying infrastructural and operational factors influencing freight transportation efficiency worldwide.