RTA: Crosstie production, purchases fell in December

In December 2016, crosstie production declined 6.2 percent to 1.9 million units and purchases slumped 24.2 percent to 1.37 million units from November levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).

In comparison to year-ago levels, December production dropped 14.8 percent and purchases plunged 19.1 percent, according to the RTA report.

Production through December 2016 rose 0.9 percent to 27.2 million units, while purchases fell 0.8 percent to 24.2 million units compared with 2015 levels.