Transportation: Page 8

US grain rail carloads unchanged at 30,403, up 18% from last year

Barged grain movements totaled 621,300 tons for the week ending March 21, up 30% from the previous week.

Stacked shipping containers in orange, yellow, and red colors at a port facility with railway tracks visible

Brand Insights

Thermal Performance and Gearbox Selection for Grain Handling Applications

SEW-EURODRIVE, Inc.

SEW-EURODRIVE’s Austin Burdette discusses heat challenges in grain handling gearboxes and how proper thermal management can reduce downtime and extend equipment life.

Thermal Performance and Gearbox Selection for Grain Handling Applications

Association News

Inland waterways face funding challenges while hopeful for WRDA

WCI's Jennifer Armstrong outlines the funding gaps, workforce losses, and legislative priorities shaping the future of U.S. inland waterways infrastructure.

STB chairman highlights agency reforms at NGFA Annual Convention

From competitive access to data dashboards, Patrick Fuchs laid out STB’s agenda to enhance the agency’s accountability, transparency and collaboration.

Professional man in business suit speaking at podium with blue curtain backdrop during formal conference event

Grain Facility Renovations & Builds

Virginia approves $750,000 rail grant for poultry cooperative grain facility

The funding will help double railcar usage to 1,000 cars annually and reduce truck traffic by an estimated 1,700 trips/year.

Large industrial grain elevator with cylindrical storage silo and attached equipment building in rural landscape at sunset

Grain Trade & Export

Grain transportation shows mixed results amid rising fuel costs

Rail shipments climb 17% year-over-year while barge movements decline and diesel prices surge to $5.07/gallon.

Aerial view of red and blue cargo barge loaded with grain on calm waterway

US grain rail carloads surge 32% as export vessel loading outpaces last year

Barged grain movements jump 59% while ocean freight rates to Japan climb 6% for both Gulf and Pacific Northwest shipments during the week ending March 7.

Yellow mooring bollard on a sandy dock overlooking turquoise ocean water

Business & Markets

U.S. grain rail carloads jump 46% year-over-year despite weekly dip

U.S. grain transportation showed strong year-over-year gains across rail, barge and ocean shipping in late February.

Straight railroad tracks vanishing into horizon under dramatic cloudy sky with utility poles

US grain exports reach near-record levels despite transportation challenges

Strong demand drives grain inspections to 141.16 million metric tons in 2025, while early 2026 data shows continued growth amid Mississippi River ice disruptions.

Aerial view of busy shipping port with blue cargo vessel, stacked containers, and city skyline in background

Grain rail carloads dip slightly while barge movements surge

Export sales data delayed by federal holiday, but rail, barge and ocean shipping figures point to a mixed week for grain transportation.

Railroad track switches with intersecting metal rails on rocky ground

Grain Trade & Export

Grain ocean freight rates fell in 2025 despite late-year rise

Shifts in global trade and ample vessel supply kept bulk grain shipping costs below recent averages, with moderate rates expected to continue.

Industrial port cranes silhouetted against vibrant orange sunset over water

Grain transportation slowed in late January

Rail and barge grain shipments dipped sharply, while ocean vessel loadings and export sales showed mixed results.

Red and white cargo barge carrying mounds of grain on murky river water

Canadian Pacific Kansas City sets new January record for grain shipments

Railroad moves 2.395 million metric tonnes of grain and grain products in January 2026.

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