WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — USDA says first-quarter shipping costs for corn and soybeans moved higher through the U.S. Gulf, adding another margin factor for exporters and inland grain shippers.
The Grain Transportation Report says transportation costs from Minneapolis to Japan rose from the fourth quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026 through both the Gulf and Pacific Northwest routes.
For the Gulf route, first-quarter transportation costs were $131.86 per metric ton for corn and $134.19 for soybeans. Total landed costs reached $286.05 for corn and $511.79 for soybeans.
The Pacific Northwest route remained cheaper, with total landed costs of $257.90 per metric ton for corn and $489.30 per metric ton for soybeans. Year over year, corn landed costs fell on both routes, while soybean landed costs increased.
USDA says year-to-date unshipped export balances were higher for both crops as of June 11.
