RTA report: Crosstie production, purchases dip in January

In January, crosstie production fell 1.9 percent to 2.2 million units, and purchases slipped 1 percent to 1.68 million units from December levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).

Compared with year-ago levels, production in January jumped 10.6 percent, while purchases fell 8.9 percent, according to RTA's January report.

"A nine-month decline in purchases since August 2014 has changed to a moderate upswing, and purchases are up at a 4.6 percent annual rate," stated RTA's report.

Production has been on a "strong" upward trend since January 2014, and is up 29 percent from the year-ago level, according to RTA.