Railroads have always used technology, but the question is: are they using the right technology for the current time? In The Fast + the Cautious, Harris + Sydney explore one of the most debated, + perhaps most misunderstood, topics across the industry: technology adoption across the railroads.
They make the case that railroads are doing better than they are typically given credit for, given the consideration that their number one priority will always be safety + the reality that they will only successfully implement technology when it is financially beneficial for them to do so. They also juxtapose all of that against the needs of frustrated shippers who just expect more in 2026.
Their friendly debate also includes everything from shortlines + API feeds to how the railroads can remain competitive against trucking – which is typically faster to adopt technology overall. Tech adoption is increasing across the board + technology itself is only getting faster. So the question remains: can railroads keep up, or will they always be the more cautious part of the supply chain?