NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Grain transportation stayed active in mid-April, but the pace varied by mode.
U.S. Class I railroads originated 28,523 grain carloads for the week ending April 11. That was down 7 percent from the previous week, but still 1 percent above last year and 15 percent above the 3-year average.
Barge grain movements were much stronger. For the week ending April 18, total barged grain reached 719,627 tons. That was 43 percent above the previous week and 53 percent above the same week last year. A total of 475 barges moved downriver, up 173 from the prior week.
Ocean movement showed a mixed picture. Twenty-seven grain vessels loaded in the Gulf during the week ending April 16, down 21 percent from a year ago. But 40 vessels were expected over the next 10 days, up 21 percent from the same period last year.
Freight rates also moved higher. Shipping grain from the Gulf to Japan rose to $67.25 per metric ton, while the Pacific Northwest route to Japan rose to $35.50 per ton.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Grain movement stayed active, with barges showing the strongest weekly gain while rail and ocean signals remained mixed.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.
January 07, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Seasonal boxed beef softness does not change the tight-supply outlook — leverage remains closer to the farm gate heading into 2026.
January 07, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
January 06, 2026 02:46 PM
·
Sen. Deb Fischer reintroduces the HAULS Act to update hours-of-service exemptions and definitions affecting livestock and agricultural haulers. She joins us on Market Day Report to share more about her proposed legislation.
January 06, 2026 01:28 PM
·
Corn export strength remains a key demand anchor, while China’s continued involvement in soybeans and sorghum bears close watching for price direction.
January 06, 2026 01:12 PM
·
