U.S. Class I railroads originated 28,556 grain carloads during the week ending May 23, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service’s weekly Grain Transportation Report released June 4.
The rail shipments represented a 2-percent decrease from the previous week but showed strong year-over-year growth of 18 percent compared to the same period in 2025. The volume also exceeded the three-year average by 25 percent, indicating robust demand for rail grain transportation.
Secondary railcar market shows premium pricing
Average June shuttle secondary railcar bids reached $263 above tariff for the week ending May 28, down $50 from the previous week but $347 higher than the same week last year. Non-shuttle secondary railcar bids averaged $44 above tariff, up $6 from the previous week and $63 more than last year.
Barge movements decline significantly
Barged grain movements totaled 608,450 tons for the week ending May 30, marking a 14-percent decrease from the previous week and a substantial 29-percent drop compared to the same week in 2025. The number of barges moving downriver fell to 404, down 51 from the previous week.
However, grain barge unloading in the New Orleans region increased 7 percent from the previous week to 605 barges, suggesting improved processing capacity at the key export hub.
Ocean shipping rates mixed
Gulf ports loaded 21 oceangoing grain vessels during the week ending May 28, representing a 13-percent decline from the same period last year. Looking ahead, 40 vessels were expected to be loaded within 10 days starting May 29, also 7 percent fewer than last year.
Shipping rates from the U.S. Gulf to Japan rose 2 percent to $72.25 per metric ton, while Pacific Northwest to Japan rates remained unchanged at $37.25 per metric ton.
Export sales show varied performance
Unshipped balances of corn, soybeans and wheat for marketing year 2025/26 totaled 23.90 million metric tons, down 8 percent from the previous week but up 22 percent from the same time last year.
