Between April 2021 and April 2023, the Federal Railroad Administration sponsored a research team from The Pennsylvania State University to conduct a study on optimizing tamping maintenance. In this report, researchers examine the impact of various tamping parameters on railway ballast performance. Field tests were conducted on Norfolk Southern Railway’s mainline at Bellwood and Tunnelhill in Pennsylvania, as well as Chesapeake, Virginia. Using data collected from SmartRock sensors embedded in the ballast, the team analyzed movement and stress changes to establish the relationship between ballast performance and tamping behavior. Additionally, an energy analysis revealed that the energy absorbed by the ballast is a reliable indicator for assessing ballast stability. The findings in this report offer valuable insights for tamping operators to optimize tamping parameters, which in turn can enhance track safety and reliability. By refining tamping practices, railway operators can improve operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, contributing to safer and more cost-effective railway operations.