New 'Freights First Act' Removes Amtrak Priority Near Ports, Potentially Causing Passenger Delays

The new "Freights First Act" is short, but it packs a punch for anyone who uses Amtrak. This legislation changes a long-standing federal rule that gave Amtrak passenger trains automatic preference over freight trains when sharing tracks. Specifically, the bill removes that preference entirely in any area within 50 miles of a port or a major rail yard. This means that if you’re riding the train near a major city or shipping hub, your Amtrak service might be waiting on the sidelines while a mile-long cargo train chugs by.

The New Waiting Game: 50 Miles of Freight Priority

For decades, federal law generally required freight companies to yield to Amtrak, ensuring passenger rail stayed on schedule. This bill—specifically Section 2—rewrites that rule near the country’s biggest logistical bottlenecks. If an Amtrak train is heading through a critical zone, like the track leading into a busy port in New Jersey or near a massive rail yard outside Chicago, the freight train that’s already there gets to keep going. The only exception is a genuine emergency. This isn’t a small change; it shifts the operational advantage from people traveling to cargo being shipped, prioritizing the movement of goods in key economic corridors.

Who Benefits from the Change?

This is a win for freight rail companies and the logistics sector. Freight operators have long argued that passenger priority causes major delays and scheduling headaches, especially when trying to move goods quickly through high-traffic areas near ports and distribution centers. By removing Amtrak’s automatic preference in these 50-mile zones, the bill aims to streamline the movement of cargo. For example, a shipping company trying to get containers off a ship and onto a train quickly will now face fewer scheduling conflicts, potentially making the freight system more efficient.

The Cost for Commuters and Travelers

On the flip side, if you rely on Amtrak—whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend traveler—you’re likely to bear the cost of this efficiency. With the priority gone, Amtrak’s already tight schedules could become unreliable in these critical zones. Imagine you’re taking the train from Seattle to Portland, or from Philadelphia to New York. As you approach the major rail hubs surrounding these cities, your train might now have to sit and wait for several long freight trains to clear the track. This could lead to more frequent and longer delays, making passenger rail a less reliable option for those who need to be on time. The impact is highest on those using passenger rail in areas surrounding major coastal and inland ports, as they fall squarely into the new 50-mile restriction zone.