White House explores rail freight alternatives as possible strike looms

The White House is weighing how other transportation providers could fill potential gaps in the nation’s freight network as unions and railroads continue contract talks to avert a potential work stoppage this week.

Senior administration officials are communicating with shipping, trucking, and air freight companies, among others, to determine how to keep goods moving in the event of a rail shutdown and which products are most likely to suffer serious disturbances. Food, energy and public health-related products are among those the administration wants to keep in circulation with minimal hassle, White House officials said.