Railroad Revenue Freight Ton-Miles for United States
Billions of Ton Miles
A033CBUSA253NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
730.10
Year-over-Year Change
134.68%
Date Range
1/1/1916 - 1/1/1943
Summary
The 'Billions of Ton Miles' metric measures the total volume of freight transported by rail in the United States. This key economic indicator provides insights into the health and productivity of the logistics and transportation sectors.
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 'Billions of Ton Miles' statistic represents the total distance freight is moved by rail, in billions of ton-mile units. This metric is a valuable indicator of economic activity, as increased rail freight volume often correlates with greater industrial production and consumer demand.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board through mandatory reports from freight rail carriers.
Historical Context
This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, transportation analysts, and economic forecasters to assess the state of the broader economy.
Key Facts
- Rail freight accounts for over 30% of total U.S. freight transportation.
- Ton-miles peaked at over 1.7 trillion in 2018 before declining due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The rail industry employs over 200,000 workers in the United States.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Billions of Ton Miles' metric measures the total volume of freight transported by rail in the United States, providing insights into the health of the logistics and transportation sectors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This key economic indicator is closely monitored by policymakers, transportation analysts, and economic forecasters to assess the state of the broader economy, as increased rail freight volume often correlates with greater industrial production and consumer demand.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board through mandatory reports from freight rail carriers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is used by policymakers, economists, and market analysts to gauge the overall health and activity of the U.S. economy, as well as to inform decisions related to transportation infrastructure, logistics, and industrial policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published on a monthly basis, with a typical lag of 2-3 months between the reporting period and the public release of the statistics.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Billions of Ton Miles (A033CBUSA253NNBR), retrieved from FRED.