Grain transportation showed significant strength across multiple modes last week despite falling export sales, according to the USDA's latest Grain Transportation Report.
U.S. Class I railroads originated 28,101 grain carloads for the week ending April 5, increasing 3 percent from the previous week and 7 percent year-over-year. Barged grain movements surged 53 percent to 562,400 tons, with 349 grain barges moving downriver.
Oceangoing vessel activity in the Gulf also intensified, with 33 vessels loaded—50 percent more than the same period last year. An additional 53 vessels are expected to be loaded within the next 10 days.
These robust domestic transportation indicators contrast with declining export commitments. Net export sales for corn, soybeans and wheat all posted significant weekly decreases, falling 33 percent, 58 percent and 68 percent respectively.
Meanwhile, diesel prices continued their decline, reaching $3.58 per gallon—nearly 44 cents below the same week last year.
