LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — Grain rail traffic remains steady early this year, with shifting secondary markets and new export routing options shaping movement into Mexico and the Southeast.
U.S. Class I railroads originated 27,108 grain carloads during the week ending February 7 — down 2 percent from the prior week but 6 percent above both last year and the three-year average. Secondary shuttle bids averaged $163 per car above tariff, narrowing sharply from a year ago and signaling less congestion pressure. Non-shuttle bids averaged $25 above tariff, also well below year-earlier levels.
BNSF Railway announced that beginning Monday (March 1st), its Mexico locations will qualify for single-destination efficiency trains carrying wheat. The 110-car unit trains can now move directly to Mexico without being split into blocks, streamlining cross-border wheat logistics. Over the first six weeks of 2026, 226,000 metric tons of wheat moved by rail to Mexico — 10 percent below last year.
In the Southeast, North Carolina committed $16.3 million in freight rail grants, supporting short lines that serve grain elevators and feed mills. The state imported more than 7 million tons of Midwest grain by rail in 2024.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rail logistics remain supportive, with access to Mexico improving.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
October 28, 2025 02:08 PM
·
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio, discusses President Trump’s move to halt trade talks with Canada and Mexico over a commercial about tariffs launched by the Government of Ontario.
October 28, 2025 12:04 PM
·
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
October 28, 2025 11:28 AM
·
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
October 28, 2025 11:20 AM
·
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
October 28, 2025 10:58 AM
·
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
October 27, 2025 11:41 AM
·
