RTA: Crosstie production, purchases tumbled in 2017

In December, crosstie production fell 9.3 percent to 1.26 million units and purchases dropped 10.1 percent to 1.53 million units from November levels, according to the Railway Tie Association's (RTA) monthly report.

Compared with year-ago levels, production in December plunged 34.7 percent, while purchases tumbled 12.2 percent.

Production for full-year 2017 declined 24.5 percent to 20.5 million units, while purchases dipped 3.1 percent to 23.4 million units.

"Purchases are in a downward trend at a 3.1 percent annual rate," RTA's report stated. "Production is also trending lower and is down by a 24.5 percent annual rate."