Many train networks are electrified outside of north America. That's a different story especially in countries with lower carbon intensity of electricity.

But yes, on the whole it's correct that common assumption that the distance freight travels equates to the overall carbon intensity of transit is incorrect.

I'm not sure what is meant by "beat" but if you're just talking about costs, then this is an irrelevant point. Rather, the effect of trade agreements is so substantial that cost per tonne shipped by no means reflects an equilibrium under free market conditions.