September 13, 2022 – The four largest U.S. railroads began limiting service Monday in preparation for a potential strike that stands to bring freight rail movement across the country to a halt. Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF and CSX all announced they will issue embargoes on certain shipments beginning early this week. CSX, BNSF and Union Pacific all halted traffic of hazardous materials on Monday due to the threat of spontaneous labour action. Norfolk Southern and CSX said the embargoes were necessary to ensure that critical or even toxic freight is not left abandoned. If rail traffic in the US is paralyzed, there will be knock-on effects felt in Canada which will strain an already stretched rail supply chain.