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Room availability is not guaranteed, so reserve your hotel room now.

Data for Week Ending Sept. 19 Now Available

For the week ending Sept. 19, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 535,663 carloads and intermodal units, up 4.9 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads were 234,207 carloads, up 2.4 percent compared with the same week in 2025, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 301,456 containers and trailers, up 6.9 percent compared to 2025.

Conference is Set for Jan. 6-9, 2027

Key topic is Class I and regional railroad capital spending plans.

Higher fuel costs put renewed focus on freight rail efficiency

As diesel prices climb to record levels, freight rail’s ability to move large volumes of goods efficiently could play an increasingly important role in keeping transportation costs in check.

Awards recognize three longtime industry leaders

RTA will honor Brent Starr, Mike Noland and Bill Behan at the 2026 RTA Annual Conference, recognizing their decades of service and contributions to the railroad, wood tie and forest products industries.

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Create your new online RTA account to register for events, pay invoices, view the online directory, and more.

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The conference will bring together professionals from across the wood tie industry for timely discussions on the issues and opportunities shaping the market, with sessions focused on railroad engineering, government affairs, research and innovation, tie end-of-life solutions, hardwood market conditions, and Class I railroad procurement.

This sponsorship is an inexpensive way to support your association.

Friend of RTA will have exposure throughout the RTA Conference in Fort Lauderdale.

Pessah previously served as WWPI's Government Relations Director

Ryan Pessah will succeed Butch Bernhardt as Executive Director.

Shmulsky is a frequent presenter and attendee at RTA Conferences

Shmulsky has collaborated with RTA Executive Director Dr. Nate Irby on nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood ties.

Weekly volume up 4.2% from a year ago

U.S. rail traffic totaled 532,462 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending Aug. 22, up 4.2% year over year. Through the first 33 weeks of 2026, combined U.S. rail traffic is up 3.3% compared with the same period in 2025. Read for more details.

Early bird pricing in effect until Sept. 1

RTA will hold its annual conference at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort October 19-22. Register now before early bird pricing ends.

American hardwood manufacturing is focus of EPA Administrator's visit

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin toured a Virginia sawmill and dry kiln facility, meeting with mill workers to hear firsthand about the pressures facing domestic hardwood manufacturers.

RTA joins industry partners to address long-term hardwood and crosstie supply challenges

With domestic hardwood production under pressure, RTA and industry partners are taking action to support supply stability.

Create your account to access member resources, event registration, and more—all in one place.

The new RTA Member InfoHub is live. Set up your account through rta.org to access the directory, register for events, and stay connected with RTA and fellow members.

2026 RTA Field Trip a Member Favorite

RTA’s 2026 Member Field Trip mixed in-depth tours of wood tie-related and railroad manufacturing operations with the one-on-one conversations and networking that make it a member favorite.

Registration is expected to open in late July for the Oct. 19-22 event at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Education, industry updates, networking, optional activities, and plenty of time to connect are on the agenda for the 2026 RTA Annual Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Fresh, Modern Design Improves User Experience

RTA's new website makes accessing member information easier than ever.

Register Now & Book Your Room ASAP

RTA's Member Field Trip (small group for maximum interaction) still has a few open spots available. Don't wait to register.

Nisus seeks experienced research scientist specializing in wood protection

This role in Rockford, Tenn., is ideal for an experienced scientist passionate about the wood products industry.

Koppers Inc.'s Noah Babik to Represent RTA

Babik will moderate the Timber Crossties Technical Session and deliver a presentation on "Evaluating Crosstie Preservative Systems: Traditional and Emerging Approaches"

The Field Trip Follows the Journey of the Wood Tie from Tree to Track in TN and KY

The RTA Member Field Trip is a space-limited event and fills quickly. Register today and make your hotel reservation before the room block is full.

Wood Tie Treaters Continue to Invest in Expansion & Upgrades

Tie treaters are upgrading facilities with modern pressure-treatment technology as demand for treated wood products continues across North American rail networks.