RTA: Crosstie production, purchases fell in September

In September, crosstie production fell 8.8 percent to 1.5 million units and purchases plunged 26.4 percent to 1.65 million units  from August's levels, according to the latest Railway Tie Association's (RTA) Market Report.

Compared with year-ago levels, production declined 9.5 percent, while purchases plummeted 22.4 percent.

Production during the first nine months dropped 19.2 percent to 13.2 million ties, while purchases dipped 8 percent to 16.9 million ties compared with the same period in 2017.

"Purchases declined at a 4.7 percent annual rate," the report stated. "Production is trending lower and is down by a 22.8 percent annual rate."