Revenue Per Freight Ton-Mile, All Railroads for United States

A0303BUSA259NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

1.00

Year-over-Year Change

-11.84%

Date Range

1/1/1888 - 1/1/1935

Summary

This economic indicator measures the average revenue per freight ton-mile for all U.S. railroads. It provides insights into the pricing and profitability of the freight rail industry.

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 revenue per freight ton-mile is a key metric used to assess the financial performance and operational efficiency of the U.S. freight rail network. It reflects the average price charged by railroads for transporting one ton of freight over one mile.

Methodology

The data is collected and reported by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.

Historical Context

This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, regulators, and industry analysts to gauge the financial health and competitiveness of the freight rail sector.

Key Facts

  • Freight rail carries over 1.6 billion tons of cargo annually in the U.S.
  • Railroads account for over 40% of the nation's freight transportation.
  • The U.S. freight rail network spans over 140,000 miles of track.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The revenue per freight ton-mile measures the average price that U.S. railroads charge for transporting one ton of freight over one mile.

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

A: This metric provides insights into the pricing power, operational efficiency, and profitability of the freight rail industry, which is a critical component of the U.S. transportation and logistics network.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and reported by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, the federal agency responsible for economic regulation of the freight rail industry.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and regulators monitor this trend to assess the financial health and competitiveness of the freight rail sector, which informs decisions related to infrastructure investment, pricing regulations, and industry oversight.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published on a quarterly basis, with a typical lag of 2-3 months from the end of the reference period.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Revenue Per Freight Ton-Mile, All Railroads for United States (A0303BUSA259NNBR), retrieved from FRED.