RTA: Crosstie production, purchases up in March

In March, crosstie production rose 3.6 percent to 1.86 million units and purchases soared 45.7 percent 1.79 million units from February levels, according to the Railway Tie Association (RTA).

In comparison with last year's levels, production dropped 25.7 percent and purchases slipped 20 percent, according to the RTA's report.

Production through March fell 19.4 percent to 5.5 million units and purchases declined 25.1 percent to 4.3 million units compared with the same period in 2016.

On a 12-month rolling basis, purchases are in a downward trend at a 7.7 percent annual rate, while production is down by a 7.4 percent annual rate.