NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Grain transportation activity delivered mixed signals late in January, with rail demand remaining historically strong, barge movements rebounding week to week, and ocean freight rates continuing to firm. The combination points to steady export demand but rising logistical and cost pressures for shippers.
U.S. Class I railroads originated 31,877 grain carloads during the week ending January 17, down 1 percent from the prior week but still 31 percent higher than a year ago and 26 percent above the three-year average. Railcar availability tightened sharply, with February shuttle secondary bids averaging $750 per car above tariff — $200 higher than the previous week and nearly $600 above last year. Non-shuttle bids remained near tariff, underscoring stronger demand for guaranteed shuttle service.
Barge traffic improved as weather disruptions eased. Grain movements totaled 567,800 tons for the week ending January 24, up 27 percent from the previous week, though still 13 percent below last year. Downbound traffic increased, but unloads at the Gulf declined.
Ocean activity stayed firm, while diesel prices climbed to $3.624 per gallon, adding cost pressure.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong rail demand and higher fuel costs raise transportation risk even as barge and export flows stabilize.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
·
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
·
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
January 27, 2026 11:55 AM
·
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
January 26, 2026 01:33 PM
·
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
January 26, 2026 09:56 AM
·
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
January 26, 2026 09:41 AM
·
