Major freight railroads will have to maintain two-person crews on most routes under a new federal rule that was finalized April 2.

The patchwork system of safety regulations pertaining to cargo ships like the one that toppled a major bridge in Baltimore can allow freight transporters to skirt oversight, critics say.

The collision of three Norfolk Southern trains in Pennsylvania early this month highlights the shortcomings of the automated braking system that was created to prevent such crashes.

OMAHA, Neb. — Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has reiterated his concerns about railroad safety and scolded the industry for not doing more to improve.

Norfolk Southern alone will be responsible for paying for the cleanup after last year’s fiery train derailment in eastern Ohio, a federal judge ruled.

The latest rail layoffs, combined with an investment fund’s ongoing campaign for control of Norfolk Southern, are renewing concerns about the effects cuts might have on safety and service.

OMAHA, Neb. — Norfolk Southern wants its shareholders to back its current management team and strategy and reject a bid from a group of investors seeking to take control of the railroad.

OMAHA, Neb. — About 1,000 engineers and conductors who work for Norfolk Southern soon will be able to report safety concerns anonymously through a federal system without fear of discipline.

Norfolk Southern’s Q4 profit fell 33% due to the ever-growing costs of the cleanup of last year’s derailment in eastern Ohio, but the railroad did deliver 3% more shipments in the quarter.

OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific’s fourth-quarter profit crept up 1% as the railroad delivered more fertilizer, imported goods and vehicles.