NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Transportation costs for U.S. grain exports eased in the second quarter of 2025, lowering landed costs for most routes and boosting inspection volumes.
October rail freight costs for grain have dropped to their lowest level in six years as sluggish soybean export demand weighs on the market.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service reported that Gulf-route transportation costs fell 1 percent for both corn and soybeans compared to last year, with ocean freight down 24 percent. Quarter-to-quarter, costs dropped 18 percent for corn and 22 percent for soybeans thanks to cheaper trucking and the seasonal reopening of the Upper Mississippi River.
Corn inspections through the Gulf reached 10 million metric tons (394 million bushels), up 43 percent year-over-year, while soybean inspections totaled 2.9 million metric tons (mmt), or 106 million bushels, up 7 percent.
In the Pacific Northwest, transportation costs fell 7 percent for corn and 6 percent for soybeans from last year. Inspections there rose to 6.8 mmt (268 million bushels) of corn, up 26 percent, and 0.2 mmt (7 million bushels) of soybeans, up 222 percent.
Looking ahead, USDA projects U.S. corn exports in 2025/26 to climb 2 percent to 73.03 mmt (2.87 billion bushels), while soybean exports are expected to fall 9 percent to 46.40 mmt (1.70 billion bushels).
Analysts say China’s absence from U.S. corn and soybean purchases remains a key uncertainty even as Mexico, Japan, and South Korea continue to anchor demand.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large. Farmers should watch Gulf and PNW flows closely as transportation and trade dynamics set the tone for the new marketing year.
Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
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