Railway Freight Traffic, Total, Including Free Hauled for Great Britain
Millions of Net Ton-Miles, Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted
M033AAGBM424NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
1,457.00
Year-over-Year Change
6.58%
Date Range
1/1/1931 - 4/1/1939
Summary
This economic indicator measures the total number of net ton-miles transported by railroads in the United States on a monthly basis. It provides insights into the overall volume and efficiency of the nation's freight rail system.
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
Net ton-miles is a standard unit of freight transportation measurement, representing one ton of freight moved one mile. This metric is widely used by economists and policymakers to gauge the health and utilization of the U.S. rail infrastructure, which is critical for the movement of goods across the country.
Methodology
The data is collected and reported monthly by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration.
Historical Context
Trends in net ton-miles are closely monitored by transportation analysts, logistics firms, and government agencies to inform infrastructure investment, regulatory decisions, and economic forecasting.
Key Facts
- Freight rail transport accounts for over 40% of U.S. freight ton-miles.
- Net ton-miles reached a record high of 58.3 billion in December 2021.
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 13% decline in net ton-miles in 2020.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator measures the total number of net ton-miles of freight transported by U.S. railroads on a monthly basis. Net ton-miles is a standard unit that represents one ton of freight moved one mile.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Trends in net ton-miles provide important insights into the overall health and utilization of the U.S. freight rail system, which is a critical component of the nation's transportation infrastructure and logistics network.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and reported monthly by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers, transportation analysts, and logistics firms closely monitor net ton-mile trends to inform infrastructure investment decisions, regulatory policies, and economic forecasting.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The net ton-miles data is published with a short lag, typically 1-2 months after the end of the reporting period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Millions of Net Ton-Miles, Monthly, Not Seasonally Adjusted (M033AAGBM424NNBR), retrieved from FRED.