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The major new study indicates a total GDP impact of the U.S. rail supply industry to be more than $75 billion in 2020. According to the data, the total employment impact of the industry surpassed more than 680,000 jobs. Employees in the rail supply industry receive more than $91,200 on average–34% more pay than the national average. 

RSI President Patty Long released the following statement.

“The rail supply industry plays an essential and powerful role in driving the U.S. economy and the results of this study are undeniable,” said Long. “Despite COVID-19 challenges to the supply chain felt around the world, it’s apparent that the industry is continuing to bounce back.”

In addition to GDP contributions and supported jobs, the study notes more than $15 billion in tax contribution within the U.S., $8.61 billion of which as contributed at the state and local levels.

“The rail industry is a vital economic driver that effects everyday life across the nation. This report proves how far reaching the impact is in today’s world,” said Urszula Soucie, President of REMSA. “We are excited to support the launch of this report and grow awareness of the positive influence our industry has on the country.” 

“Both the direct and indirect economic contributions made on an annual basis emphasize the importance of the rail supply industry,” added Dr. Nate Irby, Executive Director, Railway Tie Association. “From employment numbers to compensation and more, the impact is felt nationwide and we’re proud to help bring this data to light.”

The study was compiled in partnership with Oxford Economics. Hamilton Galloway, Head of Consulting for Oxford Economics, said “the contribution of the rail supply industry underscores the far-reaching importance of the rail manufacturing sector’s support of quality jobs, which enable rail transportation to move billions of tons of raw materials and finished goods. Our modeling shows that rail supply supports economic activity in every state.”

Visit the RSI website for the full report along with state-specific highlights and data.

About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)

The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is a trade association representing more than 160 companies involved in the manufacture of products and services in the freight car, tank car, locomotive, maintenance-of-way, communications and signaling, and passenger rail industries. RSI connects members to their customers and partners, supports the improvement of the industry, assists members in the global marketplace, and represents the industry during the regulatory and legislative process. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and join the RSI LinkedIn group.

About the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA)

The Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) was created in 1965 by the merger of the Association of Track and Structure Suppliers and the National Railway Appliances Association, two long-standing organizations in the railroad maintenance-of-way industry. The association represents companies and individuals who manufacture or sell maintenance-of-way equipment, products, and services, or are engineers, contractors and consultants working in construction and/or maintenance of railroad transportation facilities. REMSA members constitute a large part of the maintenance-of-way industry. The association sponsors the largest exhibit of maintenance-of-way equipment, products and services in the United States. REMSA members exhibit rail and track products, track maintenance equipment and services, safety devices and software that enables the railroad industry to work smarter. For more information, visit www.remsa.org.

About the Railway Tie Association (RTA)

The Railway Tie Association (RTA) was organized in 1919. Predecessor groups, dating back to the late 1800s, including The National Association of Railroad Tie Producers, were formed to support the railroad tie industry and to preserve forests through conservation. The Association is involved in all aspects of the crosstie industry and ongoing activities such as sound forest management, timber resource conservation, timber processing, wood preservation, sustainability, recycling, industry economics and statistics, and worker safety. The purpose of the RTA is to keep wood crosstie markets strong and sustainable.

About Oxford Economics 

Oxford Economics is a global economics consultancy firm based in Oxford, UK. It provides economic analysis, forecasts, and advisory services to businesses, financial institutions, and governments. The firm’s services include macroeconomic analysis, country and industry analysis, and customized research and consulting projects. Oxford Economics draws on a combination of economic models and expertise to provide clients with actionable insights and support decision-making.

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“I’m proud to be joining these two organizations in a commitment to address some of our most important challenges facing the industry today,” said Patty Long, RSI President. “Recent international events have truly underscored the strategic importance of freight and passenger rail to world markets.”

“The railway supply industry in Canada, the United States and Europe are strategic manufacturing sectors. Currently, significant investment in rail projects is occurring on both sides of the Atlantic. This MoU further solidifies the recognition that rail is the greenest and safest means of moving both people and freight,” said Sylvia Newell, President of CARS.

The MoU will begin a new phase in the long-standing cooperation between the organizations across a number of areas including – but not limited to – public procurement, global standards and skills. The agreement opens the door to deepened collaboration need to foster the health and future growth of the industry, while enabling the identification of emerging opportunities for the organizations to work together in advancing those objectives.

“In this critical time for railway suppliers, I cannot emphasize enough how valuable our partnership with RSI and CARS will be,” said Philippe Citroën, Director General of UNIFE. “By joining together to advocate for increased rail investment in Europe, the United States and Canada, our respective members are leading the way to a sustainable mobility future needed for renewed prosperity, equity and resiliency.”

A full copy of the Memorandum can be found here.

About the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers (CARS)
The Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers (CARS) has been around for many years but incorporated in its current form in 1991 representing companies selling products and services to railways and transits domestically and internationally. CARS represents over 140 companies who are important to the operations of the railways and transit authorities. CARS is a member driven association of companies that supply products and services to Canadian railways and export markets. Our membership includes a wide variety of large, medium and small businesses. As an advocacy group, we promote a competitive framework for research and development and the vitality and importance of the rail supply sector and railways in Canada. For more information visit www.railwaysuppliers.ca

About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is the only all-inclusive trade association for railway suppliers in the United States. Representing more than 160 companies, RSI acts on behalf of the smallest and the largest suppliers to North American freight and passenger railroads. Industry segments include the mechanical, rolling stock, communications and signaling, maintenance of way, and passenger industries. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and join the RSI LinkedIn group.

About the European Rail Supply Industry Association (UNIFE) Operating in Brussels since 1992, UNIFE represents European train builders and rail suppliers. The association advocates on behalf of more than 100 of Europe’s leading rail supply companies – from SMEs to major industrial champions – active in the design, manufacture, maintenance and refurbishment of rail transport systems, subsystems and related equipment. UNIFE also brings together national rail industry associations from 12 European countries. For more information visit www.unife.org and follow UNIFE on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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“As a united front, we can address some of the most pressing issues impacting our businesses from hyper-inflation to supply chain disruptions and workforce issues. Together, as a complete supply chain, we can seize important opportunities to grow the industry,” said Patty Long, RSI President.

“I truly believe we are stronger together and this conference is the perfect opportunity to connect.”

Registration for the RSI Expo and Technical Conference is now open. For more information, visit our registration website and join us in Texas. Early bird rates expire August 26.

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“Since joining RSI, Lee has consistently demonstrated his extensive technical knowledge of rail tank car specifications, manufacturing, repair, and maintenance,” said Patty Long, RSI President. “Lee understands the mission of the RSI CTC and the needs of our members better than anyone in the industry, and we are excited for him to continue on with our organization in this essential role.”

Before joining RSI in 2020, Verhey previously served as the Senior Vice President of Quality at TrinityRail and brings more than four decades of experience in railcar operations to the position. As RSI’s Director of Regulatory and Industry Affairs, Lee has overseen the day-to-day management of several RSI technical committees including the Equipment Leasing Committee, the American Railway Car Institute, and the Quality Assurance Committee.

Verhey’s appointment comes as RSI CTC Vice Chair John Byrne announced earlier this year that he would be retiring after more than 40 years in the industry, having spent the past six with RSI. Byrne began his career in Chicago at North American Car Company and went on to spend nearly 38 years at GE Capital, most recently serving as Manager, Regulatory Compliance and Quality.

On his departure, William Constantino, Chair of the RSI CTC and Marmon Leasing Group President said, “John Byrne has been a true asset to this Committee and has led tank car owners and lessors through many significant milestones during his time with RSI. We wish John the best in his retirement.”

About the RSI Committee on Tank Cars (RSI CTC)
The RSI CTC is composed of representatives from the major manufacturers and owner-lessors of rail tank cars. Collectively, its members build more than 95 percent and own or lease more than 70 percent of all tank cars operating in North America. For the past four decades, the Committee has been charged with addressing issues of importance to tank car builders and owner-lessors and regularly reviews tank car requirements through its membership on the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Tank Car Committee (TCC). The Committee continues to be on the forefront of safety initiatives related to the design, inspection and maintenance of tank cars.

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The RSI Expo and Technical Conference returns this fall in Fort Worth, TX on October 11-13. The conference will reconnect the industry as well as provide attendees education that will keep them up to date on the latest developments impacting the railway supply industry.

From operating officers and engineers to owners, procurement professionals and executives, RSI will host a diverse group of an estimated 1,000 attendees and will provide connections that will support and grow your company. Hosted in Fort Worth, a major hub for the railway industry, attendees will convene with important decision-makers and experience critical education!

Registration opens soon. For more information, visit our event website at rsiconference.org.

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ARCI statistics are compiled by RSI using data from North American freight railcar builders and is available to subscribers with a full breakdown by car type, including pressure and non-pressure cars, several categories of hopper cars, as well as other car types including boxcars, flats, and gondolas. To learn more about accessing the ARCI statistics, please click here.

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