Ian Jefferies
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Articles by Ian Jefferies
Innovation in Rail: Safer Operations, Earlier Detection, and Better Outcomes
|Ian Jefferies, President and CEO, Association of American Railroads Next year will mark the 200th anniversary of freight railroads—an industry grounded in history but being rapidly transformed by innovation. The modern rail network increasingly relies on AI-assisted inspections, machine vision, predictive analytics, advanced sensors, and real-time data to spot warning signs not always visible to the human eye.
Cargo theft risks our supply chains. Missouri’s US senators must act | Opinion
Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt must help fight criminals who work across multiple states — and even international borders. Missouri sits at the heart of America’s supply chain. From its nationally ranked rail hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis to its easy access to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Missouri helps move the food, fuel, manufactured goods and military equipment that keep America strong. That strategic importance has also made Missouri a target.
Cargo theft risks our supply chains. Missouri’s US senators must act | Opinion
Missouri sits at the heart of America's supply chain. From its nationally ranked rail hubs in Kansas City and St. Louis to its easy access to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Missouri helps move the food, fuel, manufactured goods and military equipment that keep America strong. That strategic importance has also made Missouri a target. Organized cargo theft has evolved far beyond opportunistic criminals stealing truckloads of merchandise.
The growing crime threat that's costing Tennessee consumers | Opinion Original
July 28, 2026, 5:07 a.m. CT Every day, billions of dollars' worth of goods move through Tennessee by truck, train, plane and ship. With the busiest cargo airport in the U.S., five Class I railroads, the third busiest trucking corridor and the fifth largest inland port, Memphis is home to one of the world's busiest cargo hubs and a critical link in America’s supply chain network. This gateway to international commerce is also becoming a favorite target for multi-state and international crime.
Why 'cargo theft' is hitting your wallet hard | Opinion
Federal prosecutors have spent the past few years dismantling sophisticated theft rings operating in Rhode Island’s backyard – including one led by two Rhode Island men who profited millions in stolen merchandise sales across multiple states, as well as a Providence-based mail theft conspiracy where insiders allegedly stole more than $1 million worth of checks from the U.S. mail.
Cargo theft is rampant in NJ. Sen. Booker can help fix that | Opinion
July 7, 2026, 4:03 a.m. ET From Port Newark-Elizabeth to the highways that carry freight across the Northeast, New Jersey is a gateway for American commerce. Sadly, it has also become a prime target for cargo theft.
Cargo theft is rampant in NJ. Sen. Booker can help fix that | Opinion Original
From Port Newark-Elizabeth to the highways that carry freight across the Northeast, New Jersey is a gateway for American commerce. Sadly, it has also become a prime target for cargo theft.
Organized thieves are treating N.J. like an ATM. Here’s who you can call. | Opinion Original
From Port Newark-Elizabeth to the highways that carry freight across the Northeast, New Jersey is a gateway for American commerce. Sadly, it has also become a prime target for cargo theft.
Freight Rail’s Record Safety Gains Offer a Lesson for Washington
This summer, Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. A crucial part of America’s story is one of innovation and technological advancement. Since emerging as an industrial power in the 19th century, the United States has been at the forefront of technological innovation.
Congress must not derail the freight rail lifeline for America's farmers
Congress should be careful not to impose new mandates on freight rail that would raise costs and reduce capacity At first glance, a railroad CEO and an agricultural industry leader might seem like an unlikely pairing. When you understand how closely America's farm economy and freight rail depend on each other, the partnership makes sense – as do our shared concerns about proposals in Congress that could harm both.
Congress must not derail the freight rail lifeline for America’s farmers
A CSX Transportation freight train stopped near the Brookland-Catholic University WMATA metro stop in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images) At first glance, a railroad CEO and an agricultural industry leader might seem like an unlikely pairing. When you understand how closely America’s farm economy and freight rail depend on each other, the partnership makes sense – as do our shared concerns about proposals in Congress that could harm both.
Congress can stop cargo theft in N.Y.
From trucks crisscrossing the Bronx to freight trains moving through the Hudson Valley, New York is a cornerstone of the American supply chain. But that backbone is under attack from a crime that has evolved into a sophisticated, organized enterprise: cargo theft. Today’s cargo thieves don’t act alone, and they don’t act small. They operate like businesses, targeting everything from electronics and medicine to the food that stocks grocery shelves.
Florida has a cargo theft problem. Congress must step in. | Opinion
Florida is known for its beaches, ports and booming population. But, it is also one of the most critical logistics states in the nation. From the Ports of Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville to the I‑4 and I‑95 corridors that move goods up and down the East Coast, Florida sits at the center of America’s supply chain. In fact, Florida was expected to move an estimated 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2025. Now that position is under threat.
Florida has a cargo theft problem. Congress must step in. | Opinion
Florida is known for its beaches, ports and booming population. But, it is also one of the most critical logistics states in the nation. From the Ports of Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville to the I‑4 and I‑95 corridors that move goods up and down the East Coast, Florida sits at the center of America’s supply chain. In fact, Florida was expected to move an estimated 11.27 billion tons of freight in 2025.
Florida has a cargo theft problem. Congress must step in. | Opinion
Florida is a logistics powerhouse. It should not become a safe haven for organized theft. Chris Spear and Ian Jefferies Opinion Contributors April 13, 2026, 5:17 p.m. ET Florida is known for its beaches, ports and booming population. But, it is also one of the most critical logistics states in the nation. From the Ports of Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville to the I‑4 and I‑95 corridors that move goods up and down the East Coast, Florida sits at the center of America’s supply chain.
Delivering for the Nation, 199 Years and Counting
LEADERSHIP PERSPEFCTIVES, RAILWAY AGE APRIL 2026 ISSUE: Freight rail—approaching its own milestone anniversary with next year’s bicentennial, nearly as old as the nation itself—remains a foundational pillar of the U.S. supply chain. Each year, railroads move roughly 1.5 billion tons of freight over 140,000 miles of track, linking ports, farms, factories and markets nationwide. From raw inputs to finished products, freight rail underpins industrial production and commerce.
Railroads Are Delivering Record Safety
Even as inflation shows signs of cooling, affordability remains top of mind for families and businesses navigating an uncertain economy – marked by volatile freight demand, ongoing trade tensions, and persistent cost pressures. In moments like this, industries often retreat or pass costs along. Freight railroads are not.
Railroads bring prosperity to Kansas City. That success isn’t guaranteed | Opinion
Federal policy increasingly leans toward prescriptive mandates, fragmented state rules and one-size-fits-all requirements. Kansas City has long been defined by movement — of goods, people and opportunity. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it is worth reflecting on how freight rail helped make that movement possible, transforming Kansas City from a river town into a vital transportation hub.
Railroads bring prosperity to Kansas City. That success isn’t guaranteed | Opinion
Kansas City has long been defined by movement — of goods, people and opportunity. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, it is worth reflecting on how freight rail helped make that movement possible, transforming Kansas City from a river town into a vital transportation hub. Its location at the crossroads of east–west and north–south trade routes, combined with access to the Missouri River, made Kansas City a natural gateway between the agricultural heartland and national markets.
Honoring America by building the next generation of freight rail
The United States marks its 250th anniversary this year — a milestone that invites reflection not just on our founding ideals but on the practical systems that turned a young nation into the world’s most dynamic economy. Next year will mark another quieter but historically consequential anniversary: 200 years since the first American railroad began operating.
Opinion: Chicago's rail system is a national asset. Treat it like one.
In 2026, America will mark its 250th anniversary — a moment to reflect not only on our founding ideals, but on the practical systems that helped turn a young nation into the world’s most dynamic economy. Among the systems, few are more consequential — or more overlooked — than freight rail. And nowhere is that story clearer than in Chicago. Nearly two centuries ago, as the nation’s first railroads began stitching together into a growing country, Chicago emerged as their natural crossroads.
This holiday season, stop cargo theft
OPINION: This week, while families eagerly await time together and gifts under the tree, organized crime rings are targeting the very supply chains that deliver them, threatening not just holiday cheer but also America’s economic security. Railroads and truckers take pride in delivering the goods that keep America moving. Increasingly, however, organized crime rings are exploiting vulnerabilities in our supply chain.
Common Sense, Common Ground-Even in a Shutdown
AP The federal government is shut down again, and the headlines are all gridlock and partisan bickering. Yet this week also quietly marks a milestone that reminds us that bipartisanship can still solve big problems. On Oct. 14, 1980, Democrats and Republicans worked together to enact the Staggers Rail Act, partially deregulating railroad economic regulation.
Unlocking the Next Era of Rail Innovation Requires a Modern Policy Framework
As Innovation Week comes to a close, few sectors better illustrate the quiet power of American ingenuity than freight rail—where century-old infrastructure is being reimagined with cutting-edge technology to move goods more safely, efficiently, and sustainably than ever before. At a glance, a freight train might look unchanged—locomotives pulling railcars over steel rails, traversing mountains, plains, and cityscapes just as they have for generations. But that image no longer tells the full story.
Freight Rail: Backbone of a Resilient, Multi-Modal Supply Chain
CEO PERSPECTIVES, RAILWAY AGE APRIL 2025 ISSUE: Freight rail remains the backbone of the nation’s transportation system, seamlessly linking industries, businesses and consumers. New analysis from AAR economists transforms abstract concepts into concrete evidence, demonstrating the critical role rail plays in uniting every link of the supply chain.
Rail safety requires clear-eyed discourse and real solutions
February’s train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, reminded Americans how a single incident can impact communities. Fair or not, it also shook confidence in freight railroads — critical to the economy yet often misunderstood as a monolith or public utility. While it remains challenging to assuage the justified concerns of those affected, we must have an honest conversation about rail safety as the discussion shifts to policy responses to the derailment.
Opportunities for environmental progress for U.S. rail freight
Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), details four areas that the U.S. rail freight industry needs to improve in order to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lessen their overall environmental impact. Readers of Global Railway Review understand rail’s inherent environmental benefits. The U.S rail freight sector continues to increase its fuel efficiency; it is now, on average, able to move a tonne of freight 500 miles on a single gallon of diesel.
Rail Service Challenges and the Impact on Agriculture | The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Hearing POSTPONED: Rail Service Challenges and the Impact on Agriculture Subcommittee: Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022 Time: 10:00 AM Location: 2167 Rayburn House Office Building and Virtually Status: POSTPONED There was no video broadcast for this event. Agenda The purpose of this hearing is to examine the impacts of rail service problems within the agriculture industry.
Rail regulation undermines White House goals Original
Despite a recent reduction of cargo backlogs at our nation’s busiest ports, domestic supply chains remain stressed. Experts argue a tumultuous labor market, spurred by record turnover is a key contributor. U.S. freight railroads, a critical connector in the supply chain, have not been spared from these challenges.
Sponsored Content: Locomotive Power: Delivering a sustainable future
Railroads have been a pillar of the American economy for nearly two centuries by constantly evolving to meet the needs of our country. It’s why the industry continues to be a critical link in our supply chain, both in the volume of freight that is moved as well as how sustainably it is shipped.
Ian Jeffries: Cantwell's work on infrastructure bill shows bipartisan leadership is still possible
By Ian Jefferies Association of American Railroads “We’ve been blessed by growth and trade, but if we don’t make the infrastructure investments our economy won’t be able to keep up,” U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., recently said regarding the bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law by President Biden in November.
Infrastructure Isn't a Partisan Issue -- It's an American Issue
While the past year brought America difficult challenges, the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter every day, thanks to the endurance and heroism of our frontline workers. When the pandemic first struck, the trucking and freight rail industries didn’t stand down. We rolled up our sleeves and worked together to keep the nation’s supply lines open and the critical goods that households and communities rely on moving.
To Make Transportation More Climate-Friendly, Look No Further Than Rail
Jefferies is president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) The movement towards a more sustainable future has become a primary driving force in decision-making, both in Washington and in business. In April, the Biden administration committed to taking meaningful steps in fighting climate change, announcing a new goal of slashing U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in half by 2030, further bringing U.S. climate responsibility into the forefront.
Sponsored Content: Freight rail will deliver on three American priorities
The COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the United States for more than a year has upended the American way of life, and continues to test individuals, communities and industries each day. This time last year, families scrambled to stock up amid stay-at-home orders, entire industries were shuttered and supply chains were disrupted. This once-in-a-century event challenged transportation networks like ours — the American freight railroad system — in myriad ways.
Bolstered by bipartisanship, railroads deliver for Kansans | The Wichita Eagle
Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. Courtesy photo It may be cliche to say, but the Kansas economy remains on the success of the agriculture sector — especially the production of wheat, sorghum, corn and soy. After years of challenges posed by trade tensions and weather events — only exacerbated by the economy-crippling nature of the COVID-19 pandemic — 2020 finally began to stabilize with optimism for growth in 2021.
Railroad industry vital to Tennessee's economy and needs bipartisan effort to maintain it | Opinion
Ian Jefferies is president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. Freight railroads remain closely linked to the Tennessee economy, enabling businesses to safely and efficiently move goods within and beyond the state’s borders. This reality has been especially felt throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as railroads have continued to operate safely and reliably.
Railroad industry vital to Tennessee's economy and needs bipartisan effort to maintain it | Opinion
Ian Jefferies is president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. Freight railroads remain closely linked to the Tennessee economy, enabling businesses to safely and efficiently move goods within and beyond the state’s borders. This reality has been especially felt throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as railroads have continued to operate safely and reliably.
Jefferies: Through sensible policy, railroads help Wyoming move forward
Jefferies: Through sensible policy, railroads help Wyoming move forward Ian Jefferies is president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads Ian Jefferies For more than 100 years and especially in today’s logistics-dominated economy, freight railroads like BNSF and Union Pacific in Wyoming have played a key role in moving goods for many of the state’s key industries and consumers.
Sensible rail regulation works for Alabama - Yellowhammer News
Sensible rail regulation works for Alabama The freight rail industry plays a key role in the Alabama economy, providing an existing and reliable transportation mode for many of the state’s key industries. From the growth in the state’s southern ports to the continued recovery in Alabama’s vibrant auto manufacturing sector, private freight railroads are helping spur economic growth.
Del Marsh: Legislative priorities include gaming, broadband for remainder of Alabama Senate tenure; Expect gambling proposal next week - Yellowhammer News
Del Marsh: Legislative priorities include gaming, broadband for remainder of Alabama Senate tenure; Expect gambling proposal next week Earlier this year, State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) announced he was stepping down from the pro tempore post, and Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed (R-Jasper) would assume the role for the 2021 legislative session. Marsh says he gave up the pro tem position he had held since 2010 to focus on his legislative priorities centered around education.
Rail can help meet 2021 policy challenges Original
As Washington returns this January and the Biden administration begins to take shape, numerous policy challenges wait for policymakers. From stemming the public health and economic crises posed by coronavirus, to tackling fundamental questions surrounding trade and government spending, the list is as long as it is complex.
Railroad industry on track to implement improvements
For more than 150 years, Chicago has been the nation's busiest rail hub. Each day, nearly 500 freight trains and 760 passenger trains pass through the city. Railroads know what those numbers really represent—getting busy commuters home to their families and moving the goods that power our lives. The rail industry takes that responsibility seriously and remains dedicated to keeping the "go" in Chicago.
A bright future for U.S. rail freight
Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), writes that there is an optimistic future for rail freight demand in the U.S., but investment in technology, streamlining operations and modernising services will be crucial for long-term success. The coronavirus pandemic has upended 2020 across all industries, and railroads are no exception.
Opinion | When Democrats Were Deregulators
By Ian Jefferies Oct. 13, 2020 6:35 pm ET President Carter signs the Staggers Rail Act in Washington, Oct. 14, 1980. Photo: Bettmann Archive The term “deregulation” has become polarized in Washington. But there was a time when both parties could agree on the benefit of targeted regulatory reform. The bipartisan Staggers Rail Act of 1980, passed by a Democratic Congress and signed by President Jimmy Carter, deregulated the freight railroad industry. When Mr. Carter signed the law on Oct.
House transportation bill fails to unite when it is needed most
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed a $500 billion surface transportation bill along party lines. It moved to the full House of Representatives as part of a larger, $1.5 trillion infrastructure package. At a time that desperately calls for politicians to come together to meet pressing challenges, including infrastructure, the bill woefully misses the mark.
America’s Integrated Rail Network Is Delivering for the Nation
May 14, 2020 Class I, Freight, Freight Forecasting, Intermodal, News, Short Lines & Regionals, Switching & Terminal Written by Ian Jefferies, Association of American Railroads, and Chuck Baker, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association Ian Jefferies (left) and Chuck Baker Editor’s Note: The following editorial by Ian Jefferies and Chuck Baker was originally published on May 8 by Morning Consult, a Washington D.C.-based tech company. – William C.
Virginia Senate should support rail innovation, not freeze it
By Ian Jefferies The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill last month (HB 440) that would mandate all freight railroads to operate with two people in the cab of a locomotive now and forever. The bill heads to the Senate after crossover Wednesday, and while legislators in the state’s upper chamber may be tempted to follow suit, railroads urge Virginia senators to think bigger than this short-sighted legislation.
AI is reshaping transportation. Railroads can get on board or miss out
The following is an opinion piece written by Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. Opinions are the author's own. The White House recently issued draft principles for governing the use of artificial intelligence across sectors, including transportation. While a recent report noted the guidance may be too vague to produce substantive benefits, the larger point is clear. Various forms of AI are here to stay and will only become more ubiquitous.
Policymakers should quell uncertainty
The fourth quarter brought more than a chill in the air for the business community. Across several measures, including an October survey that found executive confidence to be at its lowest level in a decade, U.S. business remain under a cloud of uncertainty. What is at play goes beyond softness in the economy. Rather, there is a sense of uneasiness at the heart of the American economic consciousness, driven by multiple factors. Looming large are prolonged trade tensions.
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