Heavy and long-distance cargo often belongs on tracks. Rail freight is the transportation of goods by train, typically over land corridors between terminals, ports, and industrial sites.

Bulk commodities, intermodal containers, and automotive traffic dominate many rail networks. Unit trains move single commodities efficiently; mixed freights handle diverse cargo. Transit times are longer than road for short distances but competitive on dense long-haul lanes.

Rail offers lower emissions per ton-mile than trucking for suitable loads. First- and last-mile trucking usually still connects rail terminals to final origins and destinations. Capacity, schedule reliability, and terminal efficiency determine whether rail captures share from road.

• Goods transport by train over land
• Strong for bulk and long-haul intermodal
• Lower emissions per ton-mile than truck on dense lanes
• Depends on terminal and first/last-mile connections