Total Track Mileage of Railroads for United States

Thousands of Miles, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted

A02F3AUSA581NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

399.60

Year-over-Year Change

-7.05%

Date Range

1/1/1916 - 1/1/1942

Summary

This economic trend measures the total annual mileage traveled by commercial motor vehicles in the United States. It provides insights into freight transport activity and economic production.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The Thousands of Miles, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted series tracks the total distance traveled by commercial trucks, buses, and other vehicles for business purposes. This metric serves as a proxy for domestic economic activity and can help analysts understand trends in transportation, logistics, and industrial output.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of commercial vehicle operators by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Historical Context

Policymakers and industry analysts use this trend to gauge the health of the broader economy and make informed decisions.

Key Facts

  • Annual commercial vehicle mileage peaked at 305 billion miles in 2018.
  • Mileage declined in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on economic activity.
  • Commercial vehicle miles have historically tracked closely with GDP growth.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total annual distance traveled by commercial motor vehicles in the United States, including trucks, buses, and other business-related vehicles.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The Thousands of Miles, Annual metric serves as a useful proxy for overall economic activity and production, as commercial vehicle mileage is closely linked to freight transport, logistics, and industrial output.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of commercial vehicle operators by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts use this trend to gauge the health of the broader economy and make informed decisions about transportation infrastructure, logistics, and industrial policy.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released annually with a lag, so there may be delays in accessing the most recent information.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Thousands of Miles, Annual, Not Seasonally Adjusted (A02F3AUSA581NNBR), retrieved from FRED.