Currently there is no feasible substitute for the diesel engine for achieving performance and environmental goals. The entire report, an executive summary, graphs and pictures are available in the features section under economic news . They operate approximately 20,000 diesel locomotives. The United States depends to a larger extent on its railroads for hauling freight than most other industrialized countries. Railroads ease congestion on the highways by transporting millions of truck trailers and containers - 8.8 million in 1998.
Diesel power is the workhorse of the nation's railroads.
In the 1990's, the addition of new locomotives and upgrades of others to be even more efficient helped to fuel the economic boom. No technology currently exists that can provide the power necessary to support the railroad infrastructure. The Vital Link to North America's Economic Future. All Rights Reserved.