Freight Car Shortage for United States
M0308AUSM477NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.00
Year-over-Year Change
N/A%
Date Range
5/1/1907 - 12/1/1930
Summary
The Freight Car Shortage for United States measures the percentage of total freight cars that are unavailable for service due to maintenance, repair, or other factors. This metric is a key indicator of rail transportation capacity and efficiency.
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 Freight Car Shortage measures the fraction of the total freight car fleet that is out of service at a given time. This trend helps analysts and policymakers understand rail transport capacity, shipping delays, and potential supply chain bottlenecks.
Methodology
The data is collected by the Association of American Railroads and reported monthly.
Historical Context
Freight car shortages can impact economic output, trade, and consumer prices, making this metric relevant for monetary and fiscal policy.
Key Facts
- Freight car shortages can delay shipments and increase transportation costs.
- The US freight car fleet totals over 1.6 million cars.
- Freight car shortages peaked at over 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Freight Car Shortage measures the percentage of total freight cars that are unavailable for service due to maintenance, repair, or other factors.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Freight car shortages can impact economic output, trade, and consumer prices, making this metric relevant for monetary and fiscal policy.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the Association of American Railroads and reported monthly.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts use this metric to understand rail transport capacity, shipping delays, and potential supply chain bottlenecks.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is reported monthly, with a typical 1-2 month delay.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Freight Car Shortage for United States (M0308AUSM477NNBR), retrieved from FRED.