RTA: Crosstie production, purchases rose in January

In January, crosstie production rose 1.9 percent to 1.286 million units, and purchases increased 3.4 percent to 1.585 million units from December levels, according to the Railway Tie Association's (RTA) monthly report.

However, compared with year-ago levels, production in January plunged 32.3 percent, while purchases soared 22.2 percent.

"Purchases are in a downward trend at a 0.2 percent annual rate," RTA officials stated in the report. "Production is also trending lower and is down by a 25.9 percent annual rate."