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
Farmers with unpaid Hansen-Mueller grain should verify delivery records immediately and file indemnity claims quickly, as coverage rules differ sharply by state.
November 24, 2025 02:32 PM
·
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
November 24, 2025 12:42 PM
·
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
November 24, 2025 11:22 AM
·
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
November 21, 2025 01:59 PM
·
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
November 21, 2025 12:01 PM
·
Bangladesh recently pledged to purchase 700,000 tons of U.S. wheat and has also become a new buyer of American soybeans.
November 20, 2025 12:53 PM
·
