ALT Black-and-white photo of a freight train rushing past in motion blur, with tracks leading toward a bright horizon. Text reads: “Staggers Rail Act. 46 years of Staggers. Here’s why it still matters.” GoRail logo in the top right.

ALT Photo of President Jimmy Carter smiling as he signs the Staggers Rail Act at a desk, surrounded by smiling members of Congress and staff. Text reads: “October 14, 1980. President Carter signs the Staggers Rail Act. Named for West Virginia Rep. Harley Staggers, the law freed railroads to negotiate rates and service with their customers and run like other businesses.”

ALT Navy graphic with a large green “$840B.” Text reads: “What it unlocked. $840B invested by freight railroads in their own networks since 1980. That’s roughly $25 billion a year in recent years, funding tracks, bridges, yards and technology at no cost to taxpayers. Source: Association of American Railroads.”

ALT Light blue graphic with a large navy “44%.” Text reads: “What shippers gained. 44% lower average rail rates than in 1981, adjusted for inflation. Shippers pay less to move each ton of freight, and the businesses and communities that depend on them benefit too. Source: Association of American Railroads, 2024 data.”