Rail

By Daryl Delano -- Logistics Management, 8/1/1998

Railroad linehaul prices have changed little during 1998 on average, following a sharp 0.8% rise between December and January. The Association of American Railroads reports continued strong demand for rail services; the group's adjusted tonnage index at the end of June stood 2.4% ahead of year-ago levels. Growth in the number of intermodal units originated has been more subdued, however. We expect rail-freight inflation to average 1.4% in 1998.

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

Coal NA NA NA

Chemicals -0.2 +0.3 +0.6

Grain 0.0 +0.2 +4.2

Motor vehicles 0.0 -0.1 +0.5

Metallic ores 0.0 +2.3 +2.1