Rail

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 3/1/2000

Average rail freight rates rose 0.6% between December 1999 and January 2000. Most of that hike came in the metals, minerals, and stone markets. In January, average rates for stone, clay, and glass were 6.9% higher than in December 1999 and 7.9% higher than in January 1999. Rates for processed primary metal products rose 5.9% between December and January, while rates for hauling mined metal ores jumped 4.8%. Last year's rise in rail costs was modest, but if 2000's first quarter is any indication, you can expect rail rates to head higher this year.

% CHANGE VS.: 1 month ago 6 mos. ago 1 yr. ago

Coal/Petroleum 0.0 0.0 +0.1

Chemicals 0.0 +0.4 +0.8

Farm products -0.2 +2.1 +1.0

Motor vehicles 0.0 -0.3 -0.3

Metallic ores +4.8 +1.9 +1.9