Weekly U.S. Rail Loadings Down

WASHINGTON - Feb 9/06 - SNS -- The number of carloads of grains and oilseeds delivered to U.S. ports for the week ending February 1 dropped, according to the USDA's Transportation and Marketing Programs/Transportation Services Branch weekly Grain Transportation Report.

Total carloads delivered to major port areas during the week totalled 9,593, down from 10,700 the previous week. This lifted calendar year to date deliveries to 47,208 cars, up 3% from the 45,892 cars unloaded during the same period last year.

In releasing its latest transportation update, the USDA noted, "Heavy rain between Portland and Seattle caused mudslides that covered tracks. Both north- and southbound trains in this corridor are being delayed from 36 to 48 hours. BNSF reports that traffic between the Canadian border and Portland is delayed 48 to 72 hours. BNSF also reports that terminal congestion is resulting in delays at Everett and Seattle, Washington.

"Rail movements of grain are expected to remain stronger than the 3- year average for the next 3-5 months because producers are expected to sell more grain during the first half of the year. Also, train speeds are expected to improve and less competition is expected for limited rail capacity," the USDA said.

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