Railroad Revenue Freight Ton-Miles for United States

A033CAUSA239NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

343.50

Year-over-Year Change

96.85%

Date Range

1/1/1890 - 1/1/1916

Summary

The Railroad Revenue Freight Ton-Miles for United States measures the total volume of freight transported by railroads, which is a key indicator of economic activity and demand for transportation services.

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

This economic indicator tracks the total number of ton-miles of freight transported by U.S. railroads. It provides insight into the overall health and utilization of the nation's rail freight infrastructure, which is crucial for the movement of goods across the country.

Methodology

The data is collected by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board from reports filed by freight railroads operating in the United States.

Historical Context

Economists and policymakers monitor this trend to assess the strength of the broader economy and make informed decisions about transportation infrastructure investment and regulation.

Key Facts

  • Railroads transport over 30% of U.S. freight by volume.
  • Rail freight ton-miles have grown by over 25% since 2000.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary decline in rail freight volume.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Railroad Revenue Freight Ton-Miles for United States measures the total volume of freight transported by U.S. railroads, which is a key indicator of economic activity and demand for transportation services.

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

A: This indicator provides valuable insights into the overall health and utilization of the nation's rail freight infrastructure, which is crucial for the movement of goods across the country. Economists and policymakers use this data to assess the strength of the broader economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board from reports filed by freight railroads operating in the United States.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Economists and policymakers monitor this trend to assess the strength of the broader economy and make informed decisions about transportation infrastructure investment and regulation.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published monthly with a typical 2-month delay, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Railroad Revenue Freight Ton-Miles for United States (A033CAUSA239NNBR), retrieved from FRED.