Percent Westbound of Total Loaded Freight Car-Miles, Class I Railroads for United States
M03044USM156NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
39.40
Year-over-Year Change
-6.64%
Date Range
2/1/1920 - 6/1/1942
Summary
This economic trend measures the percentage of total loaded freight car-miles that were in the westbound direction on Class I railroads in the United States. It provides insights into the balance of freight transportation and logistics.
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 Percent Westbound of Total Loaded Freight Car-Miles, Class I Railroads for United States metric tracks the proportion of total loaded freight rail traffic moving westward across the national rail network. This indicator offers insights into freight transportation patterns and supply chain dynamics.
Methodology
The data is collected directly from Class I railroad operators in the U.S. and aggregated by the Federal Reserve.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers, logistics firms, and analysts to understand freight market conditions and infrastructure needs.
Key Facts
- Class I railroads account for over 90% of U.S. freight rail mileage.
- Westbound traffic has historically made up around 50% of total loaded freight car-miles.
- This metric helps identify regional freight imbalances and capacity constraints.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the percentage of total loaded freight car-miles that were in the westbound direction on Class I railroads in the United States.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This indicator offers insights into freight transportation patterns and supply chain dynamics, which is useful for policymakers, logistics firms, and market analysts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected directly from Class I railroad operators in the U.S. and aggregated by the Federal Reserve.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: This trend is used by policymakers to understand freight market conditions and infrastructure needs.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a typical 2-month lag.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Percent Westbound of Total Loaded Freight Car-Miles, Class I Railroads for United States (M03044USM156NNBR), retrieved from FRED.