Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029)
New York, United States
Last Updated: September 2024
NAICS 33651Revenue
$12.6bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$X.Xbn
Employees
27,692
Businesses
146
Wages
$X.Xbn
Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry analysis
Train, subway and transit car manufacturers have contended with difficult times in recent years. The outbreak of COVID-19 brought the whole economy to a halt, including travel and freight transportation. This resulted in a period of low demand, as fewer new railcars were needed. This also meant little wear was put on the existing railcars, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement even as the economy reopened. Government assistance and revitalized industrial activity have helped jumpstart the rolling stock manufacturing industry recently, though not enough to counteract the revenue declines of previous years. Overall, industry revenue has been falling at a CAGR of 2.6% to $12.7 billion in the current period, with an increase of 0.02% in 2024.
Trends and Insights
- General economic activity drives industry performance. The more consumers spend on travel and the greater the level of industrial production and freight transport, the more railcars are needed.
- The locomotives and parts segment is crucial for revenue stability. With ongoing investments in cleaner technologies, this area continues to meet the persistent demand for reliable rail transport across various applications.
- Proximity to industrial production raises the appeal for railcar manufacturers. These products are shipped around the country at a high volume.
- The major manufacturers dominate the industry. Large contracts with key rail services, leasing companies and commodity producers keep the four biggest manufacturers at the top.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 2.6 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $12.6bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
A drop in demand hinders growth
- As COVID-19 swept through the US, lockdown orders were put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus, bringing travel and freight transport to a halt.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Sustainability initiatives will push customers towards rail
- With an increasing customer preference for environmentally friendly businesses and products, many companies will seek to make their operations as sustainable as possible.
Biggest companies in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 | Profit ($m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp | 3,849.9 | 645.5 | 16.8 | |
Trinity Industries Inc. | 2,525.1 | 239.3 | 9.5 | |
Greenbrier Companies Inc. | 2,131.9 | 198.4 | 9.3 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 5 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Locomotives and parts (diesel and nondiesel-electric), Train and train cars (freight and passenger) and Railway equipment and parts. Locomotives and parts (diesel and nondiesel-electric) is the largest segment of the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US.
Trends and Insights
Locomotives tow the industry along
- A locomotive is a vehicle that provides the motive power for a train, although engines are not included in the scope of this industry. Diesel-electric locomotives are the most commonly used option for freight and commuter rail trains.
- More insights available in the full report
Widen you competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Mining, Oil & Gas Machinery Manufacturing in the US
- Automobile Interior Manufacturing in the US
- Automobile & Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing in the US
- Car & Automobile Manufacturing in the US
Complementors
- Pump & Compressor Manufacturing in the US
- Aircraft, Marine & Railroad Transportation Equipment Wholesaling in the US
- Heavy Equipment Rental in the US
- Machinery Maintenance & Heavy Equipment Repair Services in the US
International industries
- Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in Canada
- Railway Equipment Manufacturing and Repair in Australia
- Railway Equipment Manufacturing in the UK
- Railway Equipment Manufacturing in China
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Companies within this industry manufacture or rebuild locomotives and parts, railroad cars and streetcars, along with railway track maintenance equipment. Specific products include industrial, mining and railroad locomotives; railroad, light-rail, subway and transit cars; railroad rolling stock; and railroad equipment. This industry does not manufacture locomotive engines, which are accounted for in the Engine and Turbine Manufacturing industry (IBISWorld report 33361a).
What's included in this industry?
Locomotives and parts (diesel and nondiesel-electric)Train and train cars (freight and passenger)Railway equipment and partsParts and accessoriesCompanies
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorpTrinity Industries Inc.Greenbrier Companies Inc.Purchase this report to view all 5 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
CLASS I RAILROADROLLING STOCKNORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA)NORMAL TRADE RELATIONS (NTR)Industry Code
NAICS 33651 - Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
General economic activity drives industry performance. The more consumers spend on travel and the greater the level of industrial production and freight transport, the more r...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
The locomotives and parts segment is crucial for revenue stability. With ongoing investments in cleaner technologies, this area continues to meet the persistent demand for re...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
- International Trade
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
- Total imports, level and trend
- Total exports, level and trend
- Trade Balance
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
- International trade, including imports by country and exports by country
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
- Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Proximity to industrial production raises the appeal for railcar manufacturers. These products are shipped around the country at a high volume.
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
The major manufacturers dominate the industry. Large contracts with key rail services, leasing companies and commodity producers keep the four biggest manufacturers at the to...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Manufacturers turn their focus to sustainable practices. Tightening government restrictions and a changing climate will inevitably force changes, so getting ahead of the curv...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Trinity Industries Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Greenbrier Companies Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 2 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Trinity Industries Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Greenbrier Companies Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 2 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Government funding for transportation drives industry success. The steady influx of funds to improve aging infrastructure will raise rolling stock manufacturers' revenues.
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Manufacturing efficiencies keep profits up even as revenues drop. Thanks to improved automation and a drop in steel prices since 2021, manufacturers have managed to keep expe...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2017-2022)
- Industry Tax Structure (2017-2022)
- Income Statement (2017-2022)
- Balance Sheet (2017-2022)
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States in 2024?
The market size of the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States is $12.6bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in 2024?
There are 146 businesses in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States, which has declined at a CAGR of 0.0 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States has been declining at a CAGR of 2.6 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US market in United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing market in United States are Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp, Trinity Industries Inc. and Greenbrier Companies Inc.
What does the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US in United States include?
Locomotives and parts (diesel and nondiesel-electric) and Train and train cars (freight and passenger) are part of the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US in United States?
The company holding the most market share in United States is Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.
How competitive is the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Train, Subway & Transit Car Manufacturing in the US industry in United States.
