RTA: Crosstie production up, purchases down in May

In May, crosstie production rose 7.2 percent to 1.89 million units and purchases fell 2.4 percent to 2.3 million units from April levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).

In comparison to year-ago levels, May production decreased 15.6 percent and purchases increased 2.9 percent, according to the RTA's monthly report.

Production through May plunged 19.5 percent to 9.2 million units, while purchases dropped 12.7 percent to nearly 9 million units.

Purchases are trending downward at a 7.8 percent annual rate, while production is trending lower and is down by an 11.4 percent annual rate.