NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Competition for 2027 grain transportation capacity pushed BNSF Railway shuttle contract prices sharply higher, signaling strong demand for rail access well ahead of next year’s crop movement. USDA reports BNSF sold 13 yearlong shuttle train contracts on September 23.
The contracts begin in January 2027 and total $17.2 million. Winning bids averaged about $1.3 million per shuttle contract, more than twice the roughly $595,000 average recorded for comparable January 2026 shuttle contracts.
Shuttle trains are a major tool for moving large volumes of grain efficiently to domestic processors and export terminals. Higher contract prices indicate buyers are willing to pay considerably more to secure guaranteed transportation capacity.
BNSF also auctioned three four-month direct domestic efficiency train contracts beginning in March 2027. Winning bids averaged just over $100,000 per contract. Those trains cannot unload at Pacific Northwest export terminals.
For farmers, higher rail capacity costs can eventually influence elevator bids, basis, and grain-merchandising decisions as transportation expenses move through the supply chain.
