Economics

• On average, it costs two percent less to move freight by rail now than in 1985. The cost per ton-mile declined from 2.64 cents in 1985 to 2.49 cents in 2008.
• Iowa freight railroads directly contribute $276 million a year to the economy in wages and benefits to the 4,038 employees who live in Iowa. In addition, 8,970 retired railroad workers and family members live in Iowa. (2007)
• Railroads operating in Iowa routinely invest about 25 to 30 percent of their revenues earned in Iowa in maintaining and improving the track system.
• In 2008, Iowa railroads spent an estimated $188 million on maintenance and $247 million on upgrades.