Germany also has many fewer freight trains than the US. Their rail network is optimized for passenger use, and it works well. The US rail network is optimized

Germany also has many fewer freight trains than the US. Their rail network is optimized for passenger use, and it works well. The US rail network is optimized for freight hauling (and it's largely owned by freight railroads and maintained at private expense, and those railroads turn a consistent profit). It also works well -- for its intended purpose. If you want to move 3000 miles at 45 MPH remarkably cheaply, and you happen to be (or live in) a cargo container, the US rail network is built just for you!