U.S. freight rail is the world's most efficient

 

One of many interesting graphs on the Association of American Railroads website, this one shows relative rail freight charges in different countries.  This efficiency has been achieved by massive investment by the freight railroads in facilities, infrastructure and equipment over many years.  The result is that railroads today dominate long haul freight transport in America.

Andrew J. Matuska photo on the BNSF Facebook page