U.S. Class I railroads originated 27,097 grain carloads during the week ending July 26, marking a 9 percent increase from last year and 24 percent above the three-year average, according to the Department of Agriculture’s weekly Grain Transportation Report.
Rail shipments increased 8 percent from the previous week, while average August shuttle secondary railcar bids were $46 below tariff, down $12 from the previous week and $84 lower than last year.
Barge movements totaled 777,004 tons for the week ending August 2, declining 8 percent from the previous week but rising 25 percent year-over-year. During the same period, 524 grain barges moved downriver, with 798 unloaded in the New Orleans region — 16 percent more than the previous week.
Ocean shipping saw 30 grain vessels loaded in the Gulf for the week ending July 31, up 15 percent from last year, with 39 more vessels expected to be loaded within the next 10 days.
Meanwhile, the U.S. average diesel fuel price decreased slightly to $3.80 per gallon.
