Class 1 railroads are hated by both customers and employees. Like the airlines there are only a few class 1 lines but unlike the airlines the customers are captive. Customers can only ship with the lines that own the tracks to which they are connected. If they choose to interchange with another carrier the charges are very high. Many customers have to involve the surface transportation board to resolve many issues. Employees feel like the railroads don’t care about them and are unconcerned about their health and safety. currently railroads are laying off thousands and trying to dissuade smaller customers from shipping (to lower expenses)