Media Kit » Try RailPrime™ Today! »
Progressive Railroading
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.




  railPrime
            View Current Digital Issue »



Rail News Home Rail Industry Trends

6/7/2021



Rail News: Rail Industry Trends

BTS: Railroads moved more transborder freight in March


Truck is the most-used mode for moving freight between the three countries; rail is second.
Photo – bts.gov

advertisement

The volume of freight moved by rail between the United States, Canada and Mexico in March was worth $16.7 billion, up 30% compared with February 2021’s level and up 11.4% compared with March 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

March 2020 was the first month in which the pandemic started affecting freight totals. Rail freight in March 2021 was up 2.8% compared with $16.2 billion in March 2019.

By border, the value of freight moved between the United States and Canada in March was $9.4 billion, up 29.6% compared with February’s level and up 18.5% compared with March 2020. The value of freight moved between the United States and Mexico was up 30.6% compared with February and up 3.5% compared with March 2020.

The top three commodities moved by rail in March were motor vehicles and parts at $7 billion, mineral fuels at $1.6 billion, and wood and articles, up $1.1 billion.

Total transborder freight moved by all modes in March was $114.6 billion, up 19.5% compared with February levels and up 16% compared with March 2020. Transferred freight rose 6.9% compared with the $107.2 billion worth of freight moved in March 2019.

Truck is the most-used mode for moving freight between the three countries; rail is second.



Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

More News from 6/7/2021