SUGAR LAND--November 17, 2016--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Most North American rail operators expressed disappointment in third-quarter earnings results, which were almost universally down compared to the same period last year. Rail operators including CSX Corporation (NASDAQ:CSX) (Jacksonville, Florida), Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) (Omaha, Nebraska) and Kansas City Southern (NYSE:KSU) (Kansas City, Missouri) reported profits that were lower than the previous year and declining freight volumes, particularly for coal. However, as operators continue to face these challenges, some operators expressed optimism about continued shipments in the automotive sector.