Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

June 2013

State Grain Rail Statistical Summary
Preferred citation:

Prater, Marvin E., Daniel O’Neil, Jr. and Adam Sparger. State Grain Rail 

Statistical Summary. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 

Service, June 2013. Web. <http://dx.doi.org/10.9752/TS066.06-2013>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against 

its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases 

of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, 

reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or 

parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is 

derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information 

in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the 

Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or 

employment activities.) 

If you wish to file an employment complaint, you must contact your agency’s 

EEO Counselor (PDF) within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory 

act, event, or in the case of a personnel action. Additional information can 

be found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_file.html. If you 

wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the 

USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://

www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call 

(866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing 

all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint 

form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office 

of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-

9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov. 

Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities and you 

wish to file either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through 

the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). 

Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see 

information above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you 

require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., 

Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) please contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 

(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). 

For any other information not pertaining to civil rights, please refer to the 

listing of the USDA Agencies and Offices for specific agency information. 

Cover photo: Bureau of Land Management
Marvin E. Prater Daniel O’Neil, Jr. Adam Sparger

State Grain Rail Statistical Summary

i

National Summary 1 Missouri 75

Alabama 15 Montana 79

Arizona 17 Nebraska 82

Arkansas 18 Nevada 86

California 21 New Hampshire 87

Colorado 25 New Jersey 88

Connecticut 28 New Mexico 90

Delaware 29 New York 91

Florida 30 North Carolina 93

Georgia 32 North Dakota 96

Idaho 36 Ohio 100

Illinois 39 Oklahoma 104

Indiana 43 Oregon 108

Iowa 47 Pennsylvania 110

Kansas 51 South Carolina 113

Kentucky 55 South Dakota 115

Louisiana 59 Tennessee 119

Maine 62 Texas 123

Maryland 63 Utah 127

Massachusetts 64 Vermont 129

Michigan 65 Virginia 130

Minnesota 68 Washington 132

Mississippi 72 Wisconsin 136

Abbreviations Used in this Document

BEA Business economic area

ERS Economic Research Service

GCAU Grain Consuming Animal Units

Contents
ii
1

The rail industry is an integral part of 

the agricultural transportation system 

of the United States. For producers and 

shippers of bulk commodities, railroads 

are particularly important for the 

movement to end users, many of whom 

are located long distances from the 

farms. Information on rail shipments 

from States to regions across the 

Nation, defined as Business Economic 

Areas (BEAs), has been aggregated in 

this report. State rail receipts by Origin 

State, or where each shipment a State 

received was originated, have also 

been collected. 

Not surprisingly, many of the largest rail 

shippers of corn, wheat, and soybeans 

are also many of the largest growers 

of these crops. The 10 States with the 

highest grain and oilseed production 

from 2006 to 2010 (table 1) closely 

mirror the top 10 shippers of grain and 

oilseed by rail in the same period (table 

2), with 8 States appearing in both 

categories, albeit in a slightly different 

order. Many of these States are located 

in the Midwestern United States, far 

from export ports.

Each State that received or shipped a 

substantial amount of at least one of 

three major crops (corn, soybeans, and 

wheat) by rail has been described in 

this report by its characteristics. A State 

level breakdown of rail shipments, rail 

receipts, grain and oilseed production, 

animal and poultry production, grain 

and oilseed exports, where applicable, 

and grain and oilseed rail rates per 

ton-mile has been included. This 

information can help to explain the 

variations in shipments and shipment 

size of these commodities. Some States 

have large agricultural export facilities 

but relatively little corn, soybean, and/

or wheat production. Such a State—

Washington for instance—might 

therefore receive large quantities of 

grain and oilseeds by rail. Other States 

National Summary

Rank State

Average Annual Grain 

and Oilseed Production, 

2006-2010 

(million bushels)

1 Iowa 2,727

2 Illinois 2,539

3 Nebraska 1,748

4 Minnesota 1,592

5 Indiana 1,189

6 Kansas 1,153

7 South Dakota 839

8 Ohio 770

9 North Dakota 755

10 Missouri 696

Table 1. Top Grain and Oilseed Producing States

Source: USDA Crop Production Annual Summary

Rank State

Total Grain and Oilseed 

Rail Shipments

(million tons)

1 Illinois 119.9

2 Nebraska 87.7

3 North Dakota 85.2

4 Minnesota 85.1

5 Iowa 63.0

6 South Dakota 52.2

7 Indiana 48.6

8 Kansas 48.0

9 Ohio 42.9

10 Montana 25.8

Table 2. States With Largest Grain and Oilseed Rail Shipments

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill 

Samples
2

may receive grain and oilseeds by rail for consumption purposes. For example, Arkansas receives large 

quantities of corn and wheat by rail but ships virtually none of these crops by rail. Arkansas also has no 

major export ports. However, Arkansas is the eighth largest producer of animals and poultry. Therefore, 

Arkansas may receive these grains for feed purposes.

With the information presented here, movements of grain and oilseeds by rail throughout the United States 

are clearly described. When changes in the transportation system occur, or our transportation network is 

asked to adapt to unforeseen events, the information and data within this report will provide an expedient 

overview of what might be expected. If any questions or issues regarding railroads arise, hopefully the 

information collected in this analysis can help bring clarity to the situation, or at least provide relevant 

background information. 

Data and Methodology

Data from the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) Confidential Waybill Samples1 over the period 1996-

2010 were used to measure grain and oilseed shipments by rail. The data were aggregated and sorted by 

a number of characteristics, the major categories being shipment origin, destination, and type of grain or 

oilseed. This information was then organized by origin and destination State. The data were also sorted 

by shipment size for each State, showing the relative frequencies of grain and oilseed shipments of different 

sizes. Data having less than 30 observations are excluded, as well as States having data for only 1 or 2 

years of the 5-year period. Thus, the summary tables have differing numbers of States listed. Despite 

these precautions, States with relatively low volumes are more subject to year-to-year variation than are 

States with higher volumes due to the number of available observations used to calculate totals. This is a 

result of the sampling techniques used in the Waybill Samples. Thus, higher volumes are less likely to suffer 

from sampling limitations and be more representative of actual rail movements for any given year than are 

lower volumes.

Grain Consuming Animal Units (GCAUs) were calculated for each State using information on animal 

populations and the levels of feed necessary to maintain the populations. These calculations included meat 

and poultry for consumption and production purposes. Cows, sheep, turkeys, hogs, and chickens were 

included. 

A grain consuming animal unit is a standard unit used to compare actual numbers of livestock and poultry. 

The standard unit is based on the dry-weight quantity of feed consumed by an average milk cow in the 

base year. Different rates are used to convert each type of livestock and poultry into the standard unit.

GCAU units consumed are reported in the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) Feed Grains Yearbook,

2

but are only reported for the entire United States. Thus, the authors had to estimate the number of GCAU 

units consumed by each State.

Cattle data were obtained from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) publication, Cattle,3

using the January 1 inventory. The January 1, 2010 inventory is for the marketing year (September through 

August) ending in 2010. Cattle are divided into four major groups: dairy cows, dairy heifers, beef cattle on 

feed, and other beef cattle. These inventory numbers are then multiplied by their respective GCAU factors 

shown in table 3. 

1 Because the Waybill Sample contains sensitive shipping and revenue information, access to this information is restricted. The 

requirements for access may be found at STB’s page Economic Data: Waybill <http://www.stb.dot.gov/stb/industry/econ_waybill.

html> 

2 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Feed Yearbook. 2012. <http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/

feed-grains-database/feed-grains-yearbook-tables.aspx> 

3 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cattle. 2001-2011. <http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/

usda/nass/Catt//2010s/2010/Catt-01-29-2010.pdf> (PDF) 
3

The dairy cow inventory by State 

comes from the “Milk Cows That Have 

Calved” column in the “Cattle and 

Calves: Number by Class, State, and 

United States” table. The dairy heifer 

inventories come from the “Milk Cow 

Replacement” column of the “Heifers 

500 Pounds and Over” columns of the 

same table that the dairy cows inventory 

came from. 

Beef cattle on feed inventory numbers 

come from the “Cattle and Calves: Total 

Number on Feed by State and United 

States” table. The other beef cattle 

is calculated by subtracting the other 

three cattle categories from the “All 

Cattle and Calves” column in the “Cattle 

and Calves: Number by Class, State, and 

United States” table. 

The January 1 inventory for sheep is 

taken from the “All Sheep and Lambs” 

column of the “All Sheep and Lambs: 

Number by Class, State, and United 

States” table in the NASS publication 

Sheep and Goats.4 The January 1, 2010 

inventory is multiplied by the GCAU 

factor in table 3 to obtain the number of 

GCAUs consumed by sheep for the 2010 

marketing year. Inventories for goats 

were not needed because the GCAU 

factor is equal to zero.

Inventories for horses and mules are 

not reported by NASS, and the numbers 

available are estimates based upon an 

expected growth factor each year. Because there are no State-by-State inventories for horses and mules, we 

did not include their GCAU equivalents in our calculations.

The monthly data for chicken layers is reported in the “Average Number of All Layers on Hand During the 

Month – States and United States” table in the NASS publication Chickens and Eggs—Annual Summaries.

5

 

This data was then averaged for the months of September through August. For instance, for marketing 

year 2010, the monthly data was averaged from September 2009 through August 2010 to obtain the 

average layer inventory. The average layer inventory was then multiplied by the GCAU factor for layers in 

table 3.

Broiler chicken data is reported in the “Broilers: Production and Value, by State and Total” table in the NASS 

publication, Poultry—Production and Value, Annual Summaries.

6

 The marketing year production is obtained 

by multiplying the prior year’s production by 25 percent and the current year’s production by 75 percent. 

Then, the marketing year production is multiplied by the GCAU factor for broilers in table 3.

4 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Sheep and Goats. 2001-2011. <http://usda.mannlib.

cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1522>

5 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Chickens and Eggs, Annual Summary. 2001-2011 

http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/ChickEgg/ChickEgg-02-28-2012.pdf

6 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Poultry – Production and Value, Annual Summary. 2001-

2011. <http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/PoulProdVa//2010s/2012/PoulProdVa-04-26-2012.pdf> (PDF)

Animal Types GCAU Factor

Cattle

Dairy

Cows 1.0475

Heffers 0.1761

Beef

Cattle on feed 1.5323

Other 0.0547

Sheep 0.0194

Goats 0.0000

Horses and mules 0.2043

Poultry

Layers 0.0217

Broilers 0.0020

Pullets 0.0054

Turkey 0.0155

Hogs 0.2285

Table 3. Grain Consuming Animal Unit Factors

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
4

The number of pullets used is one-half the egg-type chick hatch plus the pullets placed in the broiler 

supply flocks for the marketing year September through August. The egg-type chicks are reported in the 

“Egg-Type Chicks Hatched by Month—United States” table in the NASS publication Chickens and Eggs. The 

“Intended Placements of Broiler-Type Pullet Chicks for Hatchery Supply Flocks by Month and Total” gives 

the number of pullets placed in the broiler supply flocks. After the marketing year total of the U.S. pullets 

is calculated, the total is apportioned among the States by multiplying that total by each State’s percentage 

of the combined broiler and layer inventories. The State totals are then multiplied by the GCAU factor for 

pullets in table 3.

The number of turkeys raised is reported in the “Turkeys: Production, Price, and Value, by State and United 

States” table in the NASS publication Poultry – Production and Value, Annual Summaries. The animal unit 

calculation uses 25 percent of the prior year and 75 percent of the current year. The numbers reported are 

based on a September through August marketing year and are multiplied by the GCAU factor for turkeys in 

table 3.

The number of hogs is based upon the spring (December to May) and fall (June to November) pig crops 

as reported in the NASS publication Quarterly Hogs and Pigs7 in the June and December releases. For 

the marketing years 2001 through 2007, the data came from the NASS publication Hogs and Pigs, Final 

Estimates,8 published in March 2004 and March 2009. The total pig crop is 20 percent of the prior year’s 

spring pig crop, 100 percent of the prior year’s fall pig crop, and 80 percent of the current year’s spring pig 

crop. For instance, in the 2010 marketing year, the total number fed is equal to 20 percent of the spring 

2009 pig crop, 100 percent of the fall 2009 pig crop, and 80 percent of the spring 2010 pig crop. The total 

number fed is multiplied by the GCAU factor in table 3. 

The export inspection numbers in this report were taken from Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards 

Administration (GIPSA) grain and oilseed export inspections at U.S. ports exporting grain and oilseeds in 

bulk.9 Grain and oilseed production levels by State were also calculated.10 Production numbers for wheat, 

soybeans, and corn are all reported on each State’s information page. Production levels for other grains 

and oilseeds were tabulated and can be found in the Average Yearly Grain and Oilseed Production by State 

and Crop summary table (page 5). Other crops reported there include sorghum, oats, rye, barley, rough 

rice, cottonseed, flaxseed, and peanuts. Finally, grain and oilseed tariff rail rates for selected States have 

been aggregated and are reported by rate per ton-mile.11 Average per ton-mile rates for the period 2006–

2010 can be found on page 13, as well as on the State level information pages. 

 

7 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Quarterly Hogs and Pigs. 2000-2011. 

<http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1086> 

8 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Hogs and Pigs, Final Estimates. 2000-2007. 

<http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1086>

9 This data is from a USDA GIPSA database containing sensitive proprietary data that is not available to the public.

10 U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Crop Production, Annual Report. 2002-2011.

11 Surface Transportation Board. Confidential Waybill Sample. (2000-2010).
5

Rank State Corn Soybeans Wheat Sorghum Oats Rye Barley Rice Cottonseeds Flaxseeds Peanuts Total

1 Iowa 2,241.6 478.1 1.1 - 5.7 - - - - - - 2,726.5

2 Illinois 2,048.6 433.5 49.2 5.3 2.0 - - - - - - 2,538.73 Nebraska 1,417.6 240.0 72.0 16.1 2.1 - - - - - - 1,747.84 Minnesota 1,194.6 293.0 87.8 - 11.5 - 5.5 - - 0.1 - 1,592.55 Indiana 906.2 254.8 27.0 - 0.6 - - - - - - 1,188.56 Kansas 503.8 120.7 332.1 192.9 1.6 - 0.5 - 1.6 - - 1,153.17 South Dakota 545.7 147.7 130.6 6.1 7.5 - 1.0 - - 0.2 - 838.78 Ohio 502.5 204.0 60.0 - 3.5 - 0.3 - - - - 770.39 North Dakota 233.9 117.7 320.1 - 8.9 - 67.1 - - 7.4 - 755.1

10 Missouri 403.6 200.3 37.9 6.3 0.7 - - 30.6 16.3 - - 695.711 Texas 255.4 4.5 92.4 119.5 3.9 - - 26.1 134.9 - 28.5 665.312 Wisconsin 437.7 66.2 19.2 - 12.0 - 1.5 - - - - 536.513 Arkansas 62.1 113.1 25.7 8.3 0.6 - - 222.6 33.4 - - 465.414 Michigan 299.4 79.9 41.0 - 3.7 - 0.6 - - - - 424.615 Colorado 151.0 - 80.6 5.5 0.6 - 7.8 - - - - 245.616 Kentucky 163.6 50.7 21.2 1.1 - - 0.7 - - - - 236.617 Mississippi 89.4 66.6 13.2 3.6 - - - 35.5 23.2 - 2.8 234.218 Montana 4.3 - 171.9 - 1.6 - 36.0 - - 0.2 - 213.919 Louisiana 76.7 33.0 10.9 10.8 - - - 58.8 12.0 - - 202.320 California 30.0 - 36.4 0.9 2.3 - 3.4 97.3 24.5 - - 194.521 North Carolina 86.7 45.9 26.3 0.6 1.4 - 1.0 - 17.8 - 12.4 191.822 Georgia 42.6 9.6 10.6 1.7 1.4 0.8 - - 36.7 - 84.6 188.023 Oklahoma 35.4 8.3 108.8 11.7 0.4 1.0 - - 6.5 - 2.7 174.824 Washington 21.3 - 131.0 - 0.5 - 9.8 - - - - 162.625 Idaho 15.3 - 95.7 - 1.5 - 45.5 - - - - 158.126 Pennsylvania 120.7 18.6 9.7 0.2 5.2 - 3.5 - - - - 157.827 Tennessee 76.6 45.1 16.5 1.4 - - - - 15.1 - - 154.128 New York 78.5 10.3 6.3 - 4.2 - 0.5 - - - - 100.029 Maryland 52.6 15.4 10.4 - - - 2.8 - - - - 81.230 Virginia 35.4 16.7 12.8 - 0.2 - 3.0 - 2.6 - 2.4 73.131 Alabama 22.8 9.1 7.2 0.3 0.6 - - 9.8 - 22.4 72.132 South Carolina 30.9 12.2 6.6 0.3 0.8 - - - 5.7 - 8.9 65.4

Table 4. Average Yearly Grain and Oilseed Production by State and Crop (million bushels), 2006–2010
6

Table 4. Average Yearly Grain and Oilseed Production by State and Crop (million bushels), 2006–2010 (continued)

Rank State Corn Soybeans Wheat Sorghum Oats Rye Barley Rice Cottonseeds Flaxseeds Peanuts Total

33 Oregon 6.7 - 50.6 - 1.9 - 2.4 - - - - 61.6

34 Delaware 20.8 5.6 3.9 - - - 1.6 - - - - 32.035 Arizona 3.5 - 10.8 1.3 - - 4.3 11.5 - - 31.336 Florida 3.1 0.7 0.6 - - - - - 2.4 - 17.1 23.837 New Mexico 9.8 - 5.6 3.1 - - - - 2.1 - 1.4 22.038 Wyoming 6.6 - 4.2 - 0.6 - 5.8 - - - - 17.139 New Jersey 9.0 2.8 1.5 - - - 0.1 - - - - 13.440 Utah 3.2 - 6.2 - 0.4 - 2.3 - - - - 12.141 West Virginia 3.2 0.6 0.3 - - - - - - - - 4.242 Maine - - - - 1.9 - 0.9 - - - - 2.943 Nevada - - 1.2 - - - 0.1 - - - - 1.3

Other States - - - - - 5.3 - - - - - 5.3U.S. Total 12,252.5 3,104.5 2,157.4 395.1 89.5 7.2 207.6 471.0 356.0 7.8 183.2 19,231.8

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Crop Production, Annual Report. 2002-2011 <http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1047>
7

Rank State Dairy Cattle Beef Cattle Sheep Poultry Turkeys Hogs Total

1 Texas 2,166,593 24,711,867 93,508 9,027,338 - 1,879,504 37,878,8092 Iowa 1,198,916 9,552,056 21,437 5,788,472 401,450 20,508,423 37,470,7543 North Carolina 267,629 227,560 2,309 9,735,610 2,813,250 22,867,549 35,913,9064 Nebraska 325,742 20,951,542 8,264 1,163,292 - 7,917,799 30,366,6405 Kansas 661,473 20,229,946 8,769 - - 3,464,471 24,364,6596 Minnesota 2,654,196 2,626,301 13,968 1,641,518 2,890,750 12,296,316 22,123,0497 California 10,110,814 4,623,981 61,110 2,166,337 1,212,100 - 18,174,3418 Arkansas 93,801 511,950 - 13,823,644 2,286,250 1,369,309 18,084,9559 Georgia 420,573 281,814 - 16,903,581 - - 17,605,968

10 Oklahoma 367,855 4,119,298 7,663 2,596,198 - 7,942,843 15,033,85611 Colorado 675,592 8,701,265 38,606 410,976 - 3,234,143 13,060,58212 Illinois 585,267 1,688,974 6,227 521,519 75,950 9,904,333 12,782,26913 Alabama 70,571 343,024 - 12,346,294 - - 12,759,88914 Missouri 624,219 1,623,563 7,702 777,604 1,519,000 7,880,599 12,432,68715 Indiana 926,694 1,030,077 4,986 2,658,467 1,129,950 5,900,144 11,650,31816 Wisconsin 7,128,005 2,175,165 8,652 1,016,456 - 649,123 10,977,40117 Pennsylvania 3,125,404 765,789 9,894 4,180,284 765,700 1,951,116 10,798,18718 Ohio 1,535,285 1,637,340 12,901 3,562,946 416,950 3,619,577 10,784,99919 Mississippi 115,289 257,364 - 9,605,152 - - 9,977,80420 South Dakota 488,955 3,955,725 33,659 306,392 350,300 3,594,214 8,729,24321 Michigan 1,896,187 1,445,510 7,935 1,011,256 150,350 2,193,509 6,704,74522 Virginia 555,160 593,919 7,450 3,074,382 1,426,000 - 5,656,91023 Idaho 2,976,826 2,210,806 22,989 - - - 5,210,62124 Kentucky 514,854 713,501 3,608 3,304,169 - - 4,536,13225 New York 3,580,763 311,223 6,538 434,000 19,530 - 4,352,05326 South Carolina 96,249 100,867 - 3,069,131 872,650 - 4,138,89727 Maryland 335,409 113,541 1,804 3,505,673 22,785 - 3,979,21228 Arizona 972,981 2,687,385 13,192 - - - 3,673,55829 Washington 1,357,535 1,434,107 5,160 628,824 - - 3,425,62630 Tennessee 360,826 596,851 2,862 2,190,720 - - 3,151,258

Table 5. Average Grain Consuming Animal Units by State, 2006–2010 
8

Rank State Dairy Cattle Beef Cattle Sheep Poultry Turkeys Hogs Total

31 Florida 673,102 424,253 - 1,818,307 - - 2,915,66232 New Mexico 1,874,933 946,563 12,707 - - - 2,834,20333 Delaware 36,910 3,430 - 2,627,223 - - 2,667,56234 Oregon 663,022 889,969 21,340 280,478 - - 1,854,80835 Utah 484,458 403,076 27,839 74,324 184,450 632,625 1,806,77236 West Virginia 65,148 165,878 3,182 949,975 271,250 - 1,455,43337 North Dakota 156,900 989,877 9,176 - 58,900 - 1,214,85438 Montana 97,314 1,005,814 26,287 - - - 1,129,41539 Wyoming 40,018 925,021 41,322 - - - 1,006,36040 Vermont 780,305 19,309 - - 1,674 - 801,28841 Maine 185,799 10,639 - 417,525 - - 613,96442 Connecticut 109,629 5,880 - 305,321 - - 420,83043 Louisiana 148,457 225,638 - - - - 374,09444 Nevada 153,193 174,191 7,003 - - - 334,38845 Massachusetts 84,990 6,099 - - 1,922 - 93,01146 New Hampshire 85,602 4,075 - - - - 89,67747 New Jersey 56,918 6,356 - - 1,101 - 64,37548 Hawaii 15,826 41,129 - - - - 56,95549 Alaska 3,563 3,889 - - - - 7,45250 Rhode Island 6,150 897 - - - - 7,047

Other States - 474,605 16,752 11,736,793 3,183,545 9,103,669 24,515,364U.S. Total 51,911,894 126,948,896 576,801 133,660,181 20,055,807 126,909,266 460,062,844

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS):Cattle. 2001-2011 <http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/Catt//2010s/2010/Catt-01-29-2010.pdf >(PDF)Chickens and Eggs, Annual Summary. 2001-2011. <http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/ChickEgg/ChickEgg-02-28-2012.pdf> (PDF) Poultry – Production and Value, Annual Summary. 2001-2011. <http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/PoulProdVa//2010s/2012/PoulProdVa-04-26-2012.pdf> (PDF)Quarterly Hogs and Pigs. 2000-2011. <http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1086>Hogs and Pigs, Final Estimates. 2000-2007. <http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1086>Sheep and Goats. 2001-2011. <http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1522>Table 5. Average Grain Consuming Animal Units by State, 2006–2010 (continued)
9

Origin State 1–5 Car 

Shipments

6–49 Car 

Shipments

50 -74 Car 

Shipments

greater 

than 75 Car 

Shipments

Percentage 

of 

Shipments 

1–5 Cars

Percentage 

of 

Shipments 

6–49 Cars

Percentage 

of 

Shipments 

50–74 Cars

Percentage 

of 

Shipments 

75 cars or 

greater

Arkansas 2,524,688 1,834,388 - - 57.90% 42.10% 0.00% 0.00%

California 886,384 1,621,904 - - 35.30% 64.70% 0.00% 0.00%

Colorado 1,151,088 2,507,688 105,489 2,703,962 17.80% 38.80% 1.60% 41.80%

Georgia 2,445,724 200,672 58,733 - 90.40% 7.40% 2.20% 0.00%

Idaho 2,579,144 3,590,248 369,605 757,975 35.30% 49.20% 5.10% 10.40%

Illinois 10,759,000 43,508,220 23,093,720 44,460,826 8.80% 35.70% 19.00% 36.50%

Indiana 3,134,780 9,020,788 26,304,074 11,001,396 6.30% 18.20% 53.20% 22.20%

Iowa 1,412,324 16,235,194 8,196,293 41,072,097 2.10% 24.30% 12.20% 61.40%

Kansas 3,158,176 16,582,545 3,666,635 36,420,922 5.30% 27.70% 6.10% 60.90%

Kentucky 475,320 378,432 1,868,325 150,726 16.50% 13.20% 65.00% 5.20%

Louisiana 137,048 1,642,468 44,739 99,939 7.10% 85.40% 2.30% 5.20%

Michigan 2,344,908 2,063,416 8,118,724 1,624,797 16.60% 14.60% 57.40% 11.50%

Minnesota 5,217,332 20,550,682 4,120,791 58,164,280 5.90% 23.30% 4.70% 66.10%

Mississippi 395,284 1,084,304 - 116,917 24.80% 67.90% 0.00% 7.30%

Missouri 1,957,812 6,926,704 977,870 5,089,147 13.10% 46.30% 6.50% 34.00%

Montana 3,351,372 10,714,176 3,880,739 12,362,241 11.10% 35.40% 12.80% 40.80%

Nebraska 5,520,392 13,495,977 4,105,260 66,353,115 6.20% 15.10% 4.60% 74.20%

North Carolina 630,908 80,388 - - 88.70% 11.30% 0.00% 0.00%

North Dakota 9,339,076 31,574,813 6,249,675 44,316,925 10.20% 34.50% 6.80% 48.40%

Ohio 5,986,220 8,335,212 23,158,712 5,476,022 13.90% 19.40% 53.90% 12.70%

Oklahoma 386,544 3,279,932 493,004 9,736,674 2.80% 23.60% 3.50% 70.10%

Pennsylvania 272,516 17,756 - - 93.90% 6.10% 0.00% 0.00%

South Dakota 1,802,176 15,870,380 3,247,457 34,199,648 3.30% 28.80% 5.90% 62.00%

Tennessee 1,724,356 4,233,700 900,684 27,603 25.00% 61.50% 13.10% 0.40%

Texas 3,238,228 6,894,324 1,200,736 6,732,010 17.90% 38.20% 6.60% 37.30%

Washington 551,252 2,766,092 - 4,633,929 6.90% 34.80% 0.00% 58.30%

Wisconsin 1,534,400 10,542,200 1,745,250 939,390 10.40% 71.40% 11.80% 6.40%

U.S. Total 72,916,452 235,552,603 121,906,515 386,440,541 8.93% 28.84% 14.92% 47.31%

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Table 6. Rail Grain Originations by Shipment Size and State (tons), 2006–2010
10

Rank State Corn 

Receipts

Soybean 

Receipts

Wheat 

Receipts

Total Corn, Soybean, and 

Wheat Receipts

1 Washington 66,781,322 55,791,700 27,564,503 150,137,525

2 Texas 51,710,678 8,442,462 55,590,223 115,743,363

3 Illinois 26,710,593 9,886,704 28,871,531 65,468,828

4 California 40,509,502 584,718 10,590,569 51,684,789

5 Louisiana 15,430,730 14,917,995 4,431,420 34,780,145

6 Georgia 23,445,971 7,709,596 2,204,669 33,360,236

7 North Carolina 26,013,640 4,064,890 3,248,143 33,326,673

8 Oregon 5,532,170 - 18,379,466 23,911,636

9 Tennessee 18,723,081 - 4,707,679 23,430,760

10 Alabama 10,163,208 7,377,280 2,901,240 20,441,728

11 Wisconsin 3,996,276 119,984 13,049,929 17,166,189

12 Missouri 1,899,582 1,096,596 13,418,640 16,414,818

13 Arkansas 13,131,129 - 166,096 13,297,225

14 Minnesota 2,043,922 2,037,788 8,931,505 13,013,215

15 Virginia 5,708,738 2,872,886 3,834,496 12,416,120

16 Oklahoma 9,284,415 125,016 2,637,918 12,047,349

17 Iowa 8,254,201 1,324,835 2,317,684 11,896,720

18 Mississippi 10,054,739 954,116 - 11,008,855

19 Arizona 6,394,687 - 1,702,240 8,096,927

20 South Carolina 5,543,071 969,272 1,172,296 7,684,639

21 North Dakota 2,963,834 1,002,060 3,683,122 7,649,016

22 Pennsylvania 1,782,706 - 5,762,248 7,544,954

23 New York 1,150,441 - 5,981,547 7,131,988

24 Indiana 3,724,880 1,558,318 1,442,592 6,725,790

25 Idaho 6,295,103 - 246,388 6,541,491

26 Florida 4,482,590 - 1,561,652 6,044,242

Table 7. Total Rail Receipts by State (tons), 2006–2010
11

Table 7. Total Rail Receipts by State (tons), 2006–2010 (continued)

Rank State Corn 

Receipts

Soybean 

Receipts

Wheat 

Receipts

Total Corn, Soybean, and 

Wheat Receipts

27 Kansas 1,161,620 381,060 3,314,456 4,857,136

28 Ohio 734,005 1,447,849 2,256,552 4,438,406

29 Utah 2,943,406 - 1,394,796 4,338,202

30 New Mexico 3,251,067 - - 3,251,067

31 Colorado 1,797,638 - 1,126,265 2,923,903

32 Massachusetts 1,112,276 - 1,175,656 2,287,932

33 Delaware 1,864,432 - - 1,864,432

34 South Dakota 1,766,608 71,640 - 1,838,248

35 New Jersey - 313,448 1,099,368 1,412,816

36 Nebraska - 400,967 784,728 1,185,695

37 Maryland 937,768 - - 937,768

38 Montana 512,168 - 396,264 908,432

39 Michigan - - 694,136 694,136

40 Kentucky 176,890 167,348 259,836 604,074

41 Maine 562,056 - - 562,056

42 Nevada 509,540 - - 509,540

43 Connecticut 451,212 - - 451,212

44 Vermont 265,216 - - 265,216

45 New Hampshire 45,448 - - 45,448

Other States 389,538 1,787,064 56,404 2,233,006

U.S. Total 390,212,097 125,405,592 236,956,257 752,573,946

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples
12

Table 8. Total Rail Grain and Oilseed Shipments by State (tons), 2006–2010

Rank State Corn 

Shipments

Soybean 

Shipments

Wheat 

Shipments

Total Corn, Soybean, and 

Wheat Shipments

1 Illinois 84,964,545 11,014,814 23,926,592 119,905,951

2 Nebraska 59,470,185 14,999,524 13,222,266 87,691,975

3 North Dakota 16,845,471 21,347,228 47,047,967 85,240,666

4 Minnesota 54,888,209 18,756,891 11,430,710 85,075,810

5 Iowa 54,365,381 8,530,938 95,984 62,992,303

6 South Dakota 18,992,277 14,558,643 18,671,684 52,222,604

7 Indiana 39,137,173 8,697,439 796,243 48,630,855

8 Kansas 7,572,238 5,171,749 35,298,760 48,042,747

9 Ohio 28,680,192 10,551,721 3,635,447 42,867,360

10 Montana - - 25,772,457 25,772,457

11 Missouri 8,530,602 3,527,632 2,302,951 14,361,185

12 Michigan 8,341,549 3,795,369 1,853,139 13,990,057

13 Oklahoma 68,770 - 12,053,613 12,122,383

14 Wisconsin 6,525,376 1,568,461 3,837,593 11,931,430

15 Texas 1,042,878 220,562 10,462,916 11,726,356

16 Washington 137,272 - 7,381,341 7,518,613

17 Colorado 187,394 - 5,871,037 6,058,431

18 Tennessee 2,797,416 844,212 1,700,996 5,342,624

19 Idaho - - 4,760,774 4,760,774

20 Kentucky 2,368,882 179,368 181,652 2,729,902

21 California 156,350 - 2,215,404 2,371,754

22 Louisiana 1,465,728 252,358 172,832 1,890,918

23 Mississippi 496,652 909,579 - 1,406,231

24 Georgia 136,852 68,544 598,409 803,805

25 Arkansas - - 355,548 355,548

26 North Carolina - - 231,724 231,724

27 Pennsylvania 56,752 161,608 - 218,360

Other States 4,835,353 1,574,678 4,130,465 10,540,496

U.S. Total 402,063,497 126,731,318 238,008,504 766,803,319

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples
13

Table 9. Average Yearly Bulk Grain and Oilseed Export Inspections from Selected States (metric tons), 

2006–2010

Rank State Corn Soybeans Wheat Total

1 Louisiana 31,522,285 18,550,816 4,995,091 55,961,451

2 Washington 9,736,423 8,409,814 5,536,123 23,874,512

3 Texas 2,093,491 964,588 7,844,396 14,074,983

4 Oregon 240,718 227,476 5,442,523 6,164,539

5 Wisconsin 271,013 182,549 1,254,630 1,771,111

6 Virginia 499,822 549,267 514,597 1,587,234

7 Ohio 467,393 595,067 106,766 1,169,256

8 Alabama 534,818 561,237 60,442 1,156,498

9 Georgia 50,039 159,188 41,479 338,546

10 Minnesota 16,817 116,573 187,148 331,599

11 North Carolina 24,570 89,188 8,084 121,945

12 California 69,534 20,825 6,550 97,380

13 Michigan - 2,923 4 2,927

Other States 5,875,944 4,204,005 1,691,716 12,130,910

U.S. Total 51,402,867 34,630,593 27,689,545 118,779,964

Source: USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, Inspections of Grain for Export. Database is not available to 

the public.
14

Table 10. Average Grain and Oilseed Rail Tariff Rates per Ton-Mile by State, 2006–2010

Rank State Average Rate

1 South Dakota 2.5

2 Nebraska 2.7

3 Minnesota 2.9

4 Arizona 3.2

5 Iowa 3.2

6 Illinois 3.3

7 Montana 3.3

8 North Dakota 3.4

9 Arkansas 3.5

10 Indiana 3.5

11 Ohio 3.6

12 Utah 3.6

13 Washington 3.6

14 Kansas 3.7

15 Oklahoma 3.9

16 Missouri 4.0

17 Texas 4.3

18 Wyoming 4.3

19 Georgia 4.4

20 Idaho 4.5

21 Alabama 4.7

22 Colorado 4.8

23 North Carolina 5.1

24 Tennessee 5.2

25 Wisconsin 5.2

26 Kentucky 5.5

27 South Carolina 5.8

28 California 5.9

29 Oregon 6.1

30 Massachusetts 6.2

31 Louisiana 6.3

32 Virginia 6.3

33 Mississippi 6.4

34 New York 6.5

35 Maryland 6.7

36 Michigan 9.8

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples
15

Alabama ranks 31st among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 72.1 million 

bushels (mbu). 

On average, from 2006 to 2010, corn 

production comprised 32 percent of Alabama 

grain crops, peanuts 31 percent, cottonseeds 

14 percent, soybeans 13 percent, wheat 10 

percent, and oats 1 percent.

Nationally, Alabama is ranked 13th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 12.8 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 16.4 

percent, dropping to an average of 12.2 

percent during 2007–2010. 

Alabama has the Port of Mobile, which 

exports grain and oilseeds. For each year 

from 2006 to 2010, an average of 1.2 million 

metric tons of grain and oilseeds were 

inspected for export from Alabama. 

Alabama received a total of 10.2 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 36.1 percent from 7.3 

million tons during the 1996–2000 marketing 

years. (Figure AL-1) 

Alabama received a total of 7.4 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 6.2 percent from 7.9 

million tons during the 1996–2000 marketing 

years. (Figure AL-2)

Alabama received a total of 2.9 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 749 percent from 0.3 

million tons during the 1996–2000 marketing 

years. (Figure AL-3)

Alabama

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

40%

33%

7%

6%

5%

4%

5%

IN

IL

TN

OH

KY

IA

Others

Figure AL-1. Sources of Alabama Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

41%

21%

10%

8%

5%

15% KS

IL

NE

ND

OH

Others

Figure AL-3. Sources of Alabama Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

41%

26%

16%

8%

9%

OH

IN

IL

MI

Others

Figure AL-2. Sources of Alabama Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010
16

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 22.83 mbu 9.06 mbu 7.25 mbu 72.05 mbu 12,759,889

Average Yearly 

Exports 

(metric tons)

534,818 561,237 60,442 1,156,498 -

Total Rail Receipts

 (tons) 10,163,208 7,377,280 2,901,240 - -

Total Rail Shipments

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units

Table AL-1. Alabama Summary Table, 2006-2010
17

Arizona

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Arizona ranks 35th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 31.3 million 

bushels (mbu). 

On average from 2006 to 2010, cottonseed 

production comprised 37 percent of 

Arizona grain crops, wheat 34 percent, 

barley 14 percent, corn 11 percent, and 

sorghum 4 percent.

Nationally, Arizona is ranked 28th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 3.7 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 23.1 

percent, increasing to an average of 29.3 

percent during 2007 to 2010.

Arizona received a total of 6.4 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 460 percent from 

1.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure AZ-1)

Arizona received a total of 1.7 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 95.8 percent from 

870,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure AZ-2)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 3.55 mbu - 10.77 mbu 31.33 mbu 3,673,558

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 6,394,687 - 1,702,240 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

Table AZ-1. Arizona Summary Table, 2006-2010

42%

35%

10%

8%

5%

IA

NE

MN

KS

Others

Figure AZ-1. Sources of Arizona Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

22%

16%

12% 13%

9%

6%

5%

17%

ND

KS

ID

NE

OK

TX

AR

Others

Figure AZ-2. Sources of Arizona Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
18

Arkansas

Arkansas ranks 13th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 465.4 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the period 2006 to 2010, rice 

production comprised 48 percent of 

Arkansas grain crops, soybeans 24 percent, 

corn 13 percent, cottonseeds 7 percent, 

wheat 6 percent, and sorghum 2 percent, 

on average.

Nationally, Arkansas is ranked eighth in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

18.1 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 8.9 

percent, increasing to an average of 9.2 

percent during 2007 to 2010.

Arkansas received a total of 13.1 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 19 percent from 

16.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure AR-1)

In the years 2006 to 2010, 356,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Arkansas, 

a 164 percent increase from 135,000 tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure AR-2)

Arkansas received a total of 166,000 tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 33.9 percent from 

124,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure AR-3)

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure AR-2. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Arkansas Wheat by Rail, 2006-2010

28%

26% 14%

12%

11%

5% 4%

IL

IA

KS

MO

MN

NE

Others

Figure AR-1. Sources of Arkansas Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

32%

27%

19%

15%

7%

TN

IL

ID

OH

Others

Figure AR-3. Sources of Arkansas Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

40%

28%

25%

7%

San Antonio, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Tucson, AZ

Others
19

58%

42%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Fifty-eight percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Arkansas from 

2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size; the 

remaining 42 percent of shipments were 

6–49 cars. (Figure AR-4)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Arkansas were 3.5 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 1.84 cents per ton-mile in 1996 to 3.96 

cents in 2010. Between 2005 and 2010, 

rates increased 71 percent.12 (Figure AR-5) 

12 Gaps in Figure 5 occur where there are less than 30 

annual observations.

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure AR-4. Arkansas Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure AR-5. Arkansas Rail Tariff Rates

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in
20

Table AR-1. Arkansas Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 62.06 mbu 113.07 mbu 25.69 mbu 465.40 mbu 18,084,955

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 13,131,129 - 166,096 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - 355,548 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
21

California

California ranks 20th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 194.5 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the period 2006 to 2010, average 

California grain crop production was 50 

percent rice, 19 percent wheat, 15 percent 

corn, 13 percent cottonseed, 2 percent 

barley, and 1 percent oats. 

Nationally, California is ranked seventh in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

18.2 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010.

California has export ports at Los Angeles, 

Oakland, and Long Beach that export grain 

in containers. On average from 2006 to 

2010, 97,000 metric tons of bulk grain 

and oilseeds were inspected for export 

from California.

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 5.4 

percent, increasing to an average of 9.3 

percent during 2007 to 2010.

During the period 2006 to 2010, California 

shipped 156,000 tons of corn by rail, up 

132 percent from 67,000 tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure CA-1)

California received a total of 40.5 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 81 percent from 

22.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure CA-2)

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

52%

28%

17%

3%

Fresno, CA

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Grand Island, NE

25% 57%

10%

8%

NE

IA

MN

Others

Figure CA-2. Sources of California Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Figure CA-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

California Corn by Rail, 2006–2010
22

California received a total of 585,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 300 percent from 

146,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure CA-3)

 In the years 2006 to 2010, 2.2 million 

tons of wheat were shipped by rail from 

California, a 78-percent increase from 1.2 

million tons from 1996 to 2000. 

(Figure CA-4)

California received a total of 10.6 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 35 percent from 

7.8 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure CA-5)

Thirty-five percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in California from 

2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size, while 

the remaining 65 percent of shipments were 

6–49 cars. (Figure CA-6)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in California were 5.9 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.77 cents per ton-mile in 2002 to 5.69 

cents in 1996. Rates increased 72 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure CA-7)

62%

16%

6%

5% 4%

7%

IL

NE

ND

IA

SD

Others

Figure CA-3. Sources of California Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure CA-4. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

California Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

21%

14%

12%

11%

9%

8%

8%

7%

10%

Corpus Christi, TX

Des Moines, IA-IL-MO

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Memphis, TN-AR-MS-KY

St. Louis, MO-IL

Kansas City, MO-KS

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
23

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure CA-7. Average California Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

24%

17%

15%

14%

10%

7%

13%

KS

MT

NE

TX

ND

ID

Others

Figure CA-5. Sources of California Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

35%

65%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure CA-6. California Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in
24

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 29.96 mbu - 36.44 mbu 194.46 mbu 18,174,341

Average Yearly 

Export Inspections 

(metric tons)

69,534 20,825 6,550 97,380 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 40,509,502 584,718 10,590,569 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 156,350 - 2,215,404 - -

Table CA-1. California Summary Table, 2006-2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
25

Colorado

Colorado ranks 15th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 245.6 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the period 2006 to 2010, corn 

production comprised 61 percent of 

Colorado grain crops, wheat 33 percent, 

barley 3 percent, and sorghum 2 percent.

Nationally, Colorado is ranked eleventh in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

13.1 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years 2001 to 

2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 22.9 

percent, which decreased to 19.7 percent 

during the period of 2007 to 2010.

During the period 2006 to 2010, Colorado 

shipped 187,000 tons of corn by rail, down 

56 percent from 421,000 tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure CO-1)

Colorado received a total of 1.8 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 15 percent from 

2.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure CO-2)

Figure CO-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Colorado Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

17%

16%

13%

13%

12%

6%

6%

6%

11%

Phoenix-Mesa, AZ-NM

Amarillo, TX-NM

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

Oklahoma City, OK

Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR

Kansas City, MO-KS

Hobbs, NM-TX

Springfield, MO

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

67%

24%

3%

3%

3%

NE

IA

IL

MO

Others

Figure CO-2. Sources of Colorado Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010
26

Figure CO-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Colorado Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

30%

13%

6% 8%

6%

5%

5%

5%

4%

18%

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Kansas City, MO-KS

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

Corpus Christi, TX

St. Louis, MO-IL

Wichita, KS-OK

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Denver-Boulder-Greeley, CO-KS-NE

Others

Figure CO-4. Sources of Colorado Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

36%

22%

22%

9%

6%

5%

ND

ID

CO

MT

SD

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

18%

39%

1%

42%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure CO-5. Colorado Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

In the years 2006 to 2010, 5.9 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Colorado, 

a 24-percent decrease from 7.7 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure CO-3)

Colorado received a total of 1.1 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 82 percent from 

618,000 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure CO-4)

Eighteen percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Colorado from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 39 percent were 6–49 

cars, 1 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 42 percent of shipments were 

greater than 75 cars long. (Figure CO-5)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Colorado were 4.7 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.52 cents per ton-mile in 1999 to 5.67 

cents in 2009. Rates increased 35 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure CO-6)
27

Figure CO-6. Average Colorado Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 151.02 mbu - 80.61 mbu 245.59 mbu 13,060,582

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,797,638 - 1,126,265 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 187,394 - 5,871,037 - -

Table CO-1. Colorado Summary Table, 2006-2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
28

Connecticut

Nationally, Connecticut is ranked 42nd in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

421,000 GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Connecticut received a total of 451,000 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 31.9 percent 

from 663,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure CT-1)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production - - - - 420,830

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 451,212 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

41%

38%

12%

6% 3%

OH

IL

NY

MI

Others

Figure CT-1. Sources of Connecticut Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table CT-1. Connecticut Summary Table, 2006-2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
29

Delaware

Table DE-1. Delaware Summary Table, 2006-2010

Delaware ranks 34th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 32 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn production 

comprised 65 percent of Delaware grain 

crops, soybeans 18 percent, wheat 12 

percent, and barley 5 percent.

Nationally, Delaware is ranked 33rd in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

2.7 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Between 2001 and 2004, railroad 

originations of grain and oilseeds averaged 

a market share of 4.2 percent which 

decreased to an average of 1 percent during 

the years 2007 to 2010. 

Delaware received a total of 1.9 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 14.4 percent from 

2.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure DE-1)

75%

10% 7%

6%

2%

OH

IL

MI

IN

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure DE-1. Sources of Delaware Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 20.84 mbu 5.61 mbu 3.92 mbu 31.99 mbu 2,667,562

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,864,432 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
30

Florida

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure FL-1. Sources of Florida Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Figure FL-2. Sources of Florida Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Florida ranks 36th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 23.8 million 

bushels (mbu). 

On average, from 2006 to 2010, peanuts 

made up 72 percent of Florida grain crops, 

corn 13 percent, cottonseed 10 percent, 

soybeans 3 percent, and wheat 2 percent.

Nationally, Florida is ranked 31st in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 2.9 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

From 2007 to 2010 railroad originations of 

grain and oilseeds averaged a market share 

of 1.3 percent, a decrease from the average 

of 17.1 percent from 2001 to 2004.

Florida received a total of 4.5 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 10.9 percent from 5 million 

tons during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure FL-1)

Florida received a total of 1.6 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 17.3 percent from 

1.9 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure FL-2)

51%

27%

13% 6%

3%

IN

IL

OH

KY

Others

87%

3%

3%

7%

IL

ND

AL

Others
31

Table FL-1. Florida Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 3.12 mbu 0.70 mbu 0.57 mbu 23.83 mbu 2,915,662

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 4,482,590 - 1,561,652 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
32

Georgia

Georgia ranks 22nd among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 188 million 

bushels (mbu). 

In the years 2006 to 2010, peanuts 

comprised 45 percent of Georgia grain 

crops, corn 23 percent, cottonseed 20 

percent, wheat 6 percent, soybeans 5 

percent, and sorghum and oats each made 

up 1 percent.

Nationally, Georgia is ranked ninth in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 17.6 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an average 

of 339,000 metric tons of grain and oilseeds 

were inspected for export from Georgia.

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 20.2 

percent, dropping to an average of 19.6 

percent during 2007 to 2010.

During the period 2006 to 2010, Georgia 

shipped 137,000 tons of corn by rail, down 

79.5 percent from 668,000 tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure GA-1)

Georgia received a total of 23.5 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 6.7 percent from 

22 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure GA-2)

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

32%

13% 20%

9%

7%

6%

13%

Montgomery, AL

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL

Columbia, SC

Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Others

Figure GA-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Georgia Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure GA-2. Sources of Georgia Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

45%

28%

11%

7%

9%

IN

IL

OH

IA

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
33

From 2006 to 2010, Georgia shipped 69,000 

tons of soybeans by rail, down 73.9 percent 

from 262,000 tons shipped in the period 

1996 to 2000. (Figure GA-3)

Georgia received a total of 7.7 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 8.5 percent from 

7.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure GA-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 598,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Georgia, 

a 23.3-percent decrease from 781,000 tons 

from 1996 to 2000 . (Figure GA-5)

Georgia received a total of 2.2 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 19.8 percent from 

2.8 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure GA-6)

Ninety percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Georgia from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 8 percent were 

6–49 cars, and the remaining 2 percent of 

shipments were 50–74 cars long. (Figure 

GA-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Georgia were 4.4 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.93 cents per ton-mile in 2003 to 5.01 

cents in 2008. Rates increased 16 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure GA-8)

48%

29%

18%

5%

Albany, GA

Mobile, AL

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Jacksonville, FL-GA

Figure GA-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Georgia Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

44%

21%

17%

11%

7%

IN

OH

MI

IL

Others

Figure GA-4. Sources of Georgia Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010

Figure GA-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Georgia Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

34%

12%

11%

8%

7%

6%

5%

4%

13%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Mobile, AL

Jacksonville, FL-GA

Fort Wayne, IN

Greenville, NC

Macon, GA

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples
34

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

25%

20%

13%

11%

11%

8%

6%

6%

OH

TN

GA

IL

MI

IN

AL

Others

Figure GA-6. Sources of Georgia Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

90%

8% 2%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure GA-7. Georgia Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Figure GA-8. Average Georgia Rail Tariff Rates

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples
35

Table GA-1. Georgia Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 42.62 mbu 9.58 mbu 10.60 mbu 188.02 mbu 17,605,968

Average Yearly 

Export Inspections 

(metric tons)

50,039 159,188 41,479 338,546 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 23,445,971 7,709,596 2,204,669 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 136,852 68,544 598,409 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
36

Idaho

Idaho ranks 25th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 158.1 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the years 2006 to 2010, wheat made 

up 61 percent of Idaho grain crops, barley 

made up 29 percent, corn 10 percent, and 

oats 1 percent.

Nationally, Idaho is ranked 23rd in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 5.2 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the period 2007 to 2010, railroad 

originations of grain and oilseeds averaged 

a market share of 32.4 percent, a decrease 

from 35.8 percent average during 2001 

to 2004.

Idaho received a total of 6.3 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, up 64 percent from 3.8 million tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure ID-1)

In the years 2006 to 2010, 4.8 million tons 

of wheat were shipped by rail from Idaho, a 

34.7-percent decrease from 7.3 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure ID-2)

Idaho received a total of 246,000 tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure ID-3) 

Thirty-five percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Idaho from 2006 to 

2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 49 percent were 

6–49 cars, 5 percent were 50–74 cars, and 

the remaining 11 percent of shipments were 

75 cars or greater. (Figure ID-4)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Idaho were 4.5 cents per tonmile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged from 

2.84 cents per ton-mile in 1997 to 5.96 cents 

in 2009. Rates increased 63 percent from 

2005 to 2010. (Figure ID-5)

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure ID-2. Business Economic Areas Receiving Idaho 

Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

59%

24%

16% 1%

NE

IA

MN

Others

Figure ID-1. Sources of Idaho Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

41%

7% 11%

6%

6%

5%

24%

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Salt Lake City-Ogden, UT-ID

Kansas City, MO-KS

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Denver-Boulder-Greeley, CO-KS-NE

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
37

Figure ID-3. Sources of Idaho Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure ID-4. Idaho Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

62%

25%

6%

4% 3%

MT

NE

KS

WY

Others

35%

49%

5%

11%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure ID-5. Average Idaho Rail Tariff Rates

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

0.065

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples
38

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 15.34 mbu - 95.73 mbu 158.07 mbu 5,210,621

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 6,295,103 - 246,388 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - 4,760,774 - -

Table ID-1. Idaho Summary Table, 2006-2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
39

Illinois

Figure IL-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving Illinois 

Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure IL-2. Sources of Illinois Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Illinois ranks second among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 2.5 billion 

bushels (bbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn made up 81 

percent of Illinois grain crops, soybeans 17 

percent, and wheat 2 percent.

Nationally, Illinois is ranked 12th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 12.8 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 31.4 percent 

during the crop marketing years 2001 to 

2004, which increased to an average of 33.6 

percent during the years 2007 to 2010. 

During the period 2006 to 2010, Illinois 

shipped 85 million tons of corn by rail, up 

88.6 percent from 45 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure IL-1)

Illinois received a total of 26.7 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 32.8 percent from 

39.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure IL-2)

15%

13%

11%

6%

6% 6%

5%

4%

4%

30%

Champaign-Urbana, IL

New Orleans, LA-MS

Amarillo, TX-NM

Jackson, MS-AL-LA

Memphis, TN-AR-MS-KY

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR

Others

59%

14%

9%

8%

7%

3%

IL

WI

IN

IA

MN

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
40

From 2006 to 2010, Illinois shipped 11 

million tons of soybeans by rail, down 24.4 

percent from 14.6 million tons shipped in 

the period 1996 to 2000. (Figure IL-3)

Illinois received a total of 9.9 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 36.7 percent from 

15.6 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure IL-4)

In the years 2006 to 2010, 23.9 million tons 

of wheat were shipped by rail from Illinois, 

a 2-percent decrease from 24.4 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure IL-5)

Illinois received a total of 28.9 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 4.6 percent from 

30.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure IL-6)

Nine percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Illinois from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 36 percent were 6–49 

cars, 19 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 36 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure IL-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Illinois were 3.3 cents per tonmile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged from 

2.28 cents per ton-mile in 1995 to 4.26 cents 

in 2010. Rates increased 55 percent from 

2005 to 2010. (Figure IL-8)

Figure IL-4. Sources of Illinois Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010

29%

19%

11%

10%

7%

4%

20%

New Orleans, LA-MS

Champaign-Urbana, IL

St. Louis, MO-IL

Huntsville, AL-TN

Memphis, TN-AR-MS-KY

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Others

Figure IL-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Illinois 

Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

36%

12% 14%

10%

9%

8%

11% IL

IA

MO

WI

IN

MN

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
41

Figure IL-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Illinois Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure IL-6. Sources of Illinois Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

16%

14%

10%

6%

6% 5%

5%

5%

4%

29%

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

New York-No. New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PA-MA-VT

Washington-Baltimore, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA

Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY-PA

Indianapolis, IN-IL

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA

Boston-Worcester-Lawrence-Lowell-Brockton, MA-NH-RI-VT

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

32%

22% 11%

11%

9%

7%

8%

ND

SD

MN

NE

KS

WI

Others

9%

36%

19%

36%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure IL-7. Illinois Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
42

Figure IL-8. Average Illinois Rail Tariff Rates

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Table IL-1. Illinois Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 2048.62 bbu 433.48 bbu 49.19 bbu 2538.66 bbu 12,782,269

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 26,710,593 9,886,704 28,871,531 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 84,964,545 11,014,814 23,926,592 - -

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
43

Indiana

Indiana ranks fifth among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 1.2 billion 

bushels (bbu). 

On average, from 2006 to 2010, corn 

comprised 76 percent of Indiana grain 

crops, soybeans 21 percent, and wheat 

2 percent.

Nationally, Indiana is ranked fifteenth in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

11.7 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 37.5 

percent, later falling to an average of 27.8 

percent during 2007–2010.

During the period 2006 to 2010, Indiana 

shipped 39.1 million tons of corn by rail, up 

6.8 percent from 36.6 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure IN-1)

Indiana received a total of 3.7 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 9.4 percent from 4.1 million 

tons during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure IN-2)

Figure IN-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving Indiana 

Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure IN-2. Sources of Indiana Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

17%

11%

6%

6% 5%

5%

4%

4%

4%

4%

34%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Knoxville, TN

Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, NC-VA

Greenville, NC

Champaign-Urbana, IL

Macon, GA

Jacksonville, FL-GA

Columbia, SC

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Albany, GA

Others

46%

43%

6%

4%

1%

IL

IN

MI

OH

Others
44

From 2006 to 2010, Indiana shipped 8.7 

million tons of soybeans by rail, down 5.7 

percent from 9.2 million tons shipped in the 

period 1996 to 2000. (Figure IN-3)

Indiana received a total of 1.6 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 24.3 percent from 

2.1 tons during the 1996–2000 marketing 

years. (Figure IN-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 796,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Indiana, a 

45.8-percent decrease from 1.5 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure IN-5)

Indiana received a total of 1.4 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 37.8 percent from 

2.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure IN-6)

Seven percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Indiana from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 18 percent were 6–49 

cars, 53 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 22 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure IN-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Indiana were 3.5 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.76 cents per ton-mile in 2001 to 4.11 

cents in 2010. Rates increased 41 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure IN-8)

Figure IN-4. Sources of Indiana Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

21%

17%

11% 11%

10%

6%

6%

4%

14%

Albany, GA

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Huntsville, AL-TN

Mobile, AL

Champaign-Urbana, IL

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

New Orleans, LA-MS

Fayetteville, NC

Others

39%

28%

27%

6%

IN

OH

IL

MI

Figure IN-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Indiana 

Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010
45

Figure IN-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Indiana Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure IN-6. Sources of Indiana Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure IN-7. Indiana Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

21%

14%

14%

7%

5%

5%

4%

4%

26%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

New Orleans, LA-MS

Cincinnati-Hamilton, OH-KY-IN

Nashville, TN-KY

Kansas City, MO-KS

Knoxville, TN

Others

95%

5%

IL

Others

7%

18%

53%

22% 1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
46

Figure IN-8. Average Indiana Rail Tariff Rates

0.025

0.027

0.029

0.031

0.033

0.035

0.037

0.039

0.041

0.043

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Table IN-1. Indiana Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 906.19 mbu 254.75 mbu 27.01 mbu 1188.54 mbu 11,650,318

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 3,724,880 1,558,318 1,442,592 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 39,137,173 8,697,439 796,243 - -

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
47

Iowa

Figure IA-2. Sources of Iowa Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Iowa ranks first among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 2.7 billion 

bushels (bbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn made up 82 

percent of Iowa grain crops and soybeans 

made up the remaining 18 percent.

Nationally, Iowa is ranked second in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 37.5 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 30.1 percent 

during the crop marketing years of 2001 to 

2004, which decreased to an average of 15.9 

percent during 2007 to 2010.

During the period 2006 to 2010, Iowa 

shipped 54.4 million tons of corn by rail, 

down 26 percent from 73.5 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure IA-1)

Iowa received a total of 8.3 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 70 percent from 27.4 million 

tons during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure IA-2)

8%

8%

7%

7% 6%

5%

5%

5%

4%

4%

4%

37%

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Fresno, CA

Mexico

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Cedar Rapids, IA

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR

Phoenix-Mesa, AZ-NM

Amarillo, TX-NM

New Orleans, LA-MS

Others

Figure IA-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving Iowa 

Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

90%

9%

1%

IA

MN

Others
48

Figure IA-4. Sources of Iowa Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010

Figure IA-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Iowa 

Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, Iowa shipped 8.5 million 

tons of soybeans by rail, down 33.2 percent 

from 12.8 million tons shipped in the period 

1996 to 2000. (Figure IA-3)

Iowa received a total of 1.3 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 54.3 percent from 

2.9 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure IA-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 96,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Iowa, a 

69.3-percent decrease from 313,000 tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure IA-5)

Iowa received a total of 2.3 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 23.5 percent from 

1.9 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure IA-6)

Two percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Iowa from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 24 percent were 6–49 

cars, 12 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 62 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure IA-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Iowa were 3.2 cents per tonmile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged from 

2.46 cents per ton-mile in 2000 to 5.66 cents 

in 1997. Rates increased 37 percent from 

2005 to 2010. (Figure IA-8)

41%

6% 8%

6%

6%

5%

4%

4%

4%

16%

New Orleans, LA-MS

Des Moines, IA-IL-MO

St. Louis, MO-IL

Corpus Christi, TX

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Champaign-Urbana, IL

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Cedar Rapids, IA

Others

82%

6%

12%

IA

SD

Others
49

Figure IA-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Iowa Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure IA-6. Sources of Iowa Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure IA-7. Iowa Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

23%

22%

20%

16%

15%

4%

Joplin, MO-KS-OK

St. Louis, MO-IL

Phoenix-Mesa, AZ-NM

Kansas City, MO-KS

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

32%

16%

13%

12%

7%

7%

13%

ND

SD

CA

KS

NE

MN

Others

2%

24%

12%

62% 1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
50

Figure IA-8. Average Iowa Rail Tariff Rates

Table IA-1. Iowa Summary Table, 2006-2010

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

0.060

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 2241.57 mbu 478.15 mbu 1.13 mbu 2726.55 mbu 37,470,754

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 8,254,201 1,324,835 2,317,684 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 54,365,381 8,530,938 95,984 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
51

Kansas

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Kansas ranks sixth among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 1.2 billion 

bushels (bbu). 

During the period 2006–2010, 44 percent 

of Kansas grain crops were corn, 29 percent 

wheat, 17 percent sorghum, and 10 

percent soybeans.

Nationally, Kansas is ranked fifth in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 24.4 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 35.4 percent 

during the crop marketing years of 2007 

to 2010, a decrease from the 41.9 percent 

average during the period 2001– 2004.

From 2006 to 2010, Kansas shipped 7.6 

million tons of corn by rail, down 4.1 

percent from 7.9 million tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure KS-1)

Kansas received a total of 1.2 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 15.8 percent from 1.4 million 

tons during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure KS-2)

30%

9% 24%

6%

5%

5%

4%

4%

13%

Fort Smith, AR-OK

Mexico

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO-OK

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

Phoenix-Mesa, AZ-NM

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR

Others

Figure KS-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving Kansas 

Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

40%

39%

10%

9%

2%

NE

IA

MO

IL

Others

Figure KS-2. Sources of Kansas Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010
52

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, Kansas shipped 5.2 

million tons of soybeans by rail, up 45.3 

percent from 3.6 million tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure KS-3)

Kansas received a total of 381,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 70.4 percent from 

1.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure KS-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 35.3 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Kansas, a 

17.6 percent decrease from 42.8 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure KS-5)

In the crop marketing years 2006–2010, 

Kansas received 3.3 million tons of wheat by 

rail, a 54.9 percent decrease from 7.3 million 

tons in the years 1996–2000. (Figure KS-6)

Five percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Kansas from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 28 percent were 6–49 

cars, 6 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 61 percent of shipments were 

75 cars or greater. (Figure KS-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Kansas were 3.7 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.61 cents per ton-mile in 1999 to 4.21 

cents in 2009. Rates increased 25 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure KS-8)

30%

27%

16%

10%

5%

12%

Corpus Christi, TX

New Orleans, LA-MS

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Mexico

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Others

Figure KS-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Kansas 

Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

32%

29%

18%

12%

5%

4%

KS

NE

MN

SD

OK

Others

Figure KS-4. Sources of Kansas Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010
53

Figure KS-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Kansas Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure KS-7. Kansas Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

27%

11%

9%

8%

6%

6%

5%

28%

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

St. Louis, MO-IL

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Kansas City, MO-KS

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

42%

16%

10%

5%

5%

4%

18% KS

CO

NE

ND

OK

SD

Others

Figure KS-6. Sources of Kansas Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

5%

28%

6%

61%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
54

Figure KS-8. Average Kansas Rail Tariff Rates

Table KS-1. Kansas Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

0.025

0.027

0.029

0.031

0.033

0.035

0.037

0.039

0.041

0.043

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 503.76 mbu 120.73 mbu 332.12 mbu 1153.07 mbu 24,364,659

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,161,620 381,060 3,314,456 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 7,572,238 5,171,749 35,298,760 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
55

Kentucky

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure KY-2. Sources of Kentucky Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Kentucky ranks 16th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 236.6 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn comprised 69 

percent of Kentucky grain crops, 

soybeans 21 percent, and wheat 9 percent, 

on average.

Nationally, Kentucky is ranked 24th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

4.5 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 11.8 percent 

during the crop marketing years of 

2001–2004, later dropping to an average 

of 9.1 percent during 2007–2010.

During the period 2006–2010, Kentucky 

shipped 2.4 million tons of corn by rail, 

down 23.5 percent from 3.1 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure KY-1)

Kentucky received a total of 177,000 tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 64.6 percent from 500,000 tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure KY-2)

28%

27%

13%

8%

5%

4%

15%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Birmingham, AL

Pensacola, FL

Huntsville, AL-TN

Jacksonville, FL-GA

Others

Figure KY-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Kentucky Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

43%

32%

14%

11%

IL

KY

IN

IA
56

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006–2010, Kentucky shipped 179,000 

tons of soybeans by rail, down 73.4 percent 

from 674,000 tons shipped in the period 

1996–2000. (Figure KY-3)

Kentucky received a total of 167,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure KY-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 182,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Kentucky, 

a 32.8-percent decrease from 270,000 tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure KY-5)

Kentucky received a total of 260,000 tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 58.3 percent from 

164,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure KY-6)

Seventeen percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Kentucky from 

2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 13 

percent were 6–49 cars, 65 percent were 

50–74 cars, and the remaining 5 percent 

of shipments were 75 cars or greater. 

(Figure KY-7)

54%

15%

11%

11%

9%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Huntsville, AL-TN

New Orleans, LA-MS

Albany, GA

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Figure KY-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Kentucky Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

58%

28%

12%

2%

IL

OH

IN

Others

Figure KY-4. Sources of Kentucky Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
57

Figure KY-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Kentucky Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

43%

24%

22%

5%

6%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Paducah, KY-IL

Nashville, TN-KY

Macon, GA

Others

51%

17%

17%

15%

IL

MI

KY

IN

Figure KY-6. Sources of Kentucky Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

17%

13%

65%

5%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure KY-7. Kentucky Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
58

Table KY-1. Kentucky Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 163.59 mbu 50.71 mbu 21.22 mbu 236.60 mbu 4,536,132

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 176,890 167,348 259,836 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 2,368,882 179,368 181,652 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
59

Louisiana

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Louisiana ranks 19th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 202.3 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the years 2006–2010, 38 percent 

of Louisiana grain crops were corn, 29 

percent rice, 16 percent soybeans, 6 percent 

cottonseed, 5 percent sorghum, and 5 

percent wheat.

Nationally, Louisiana is ranked 43rd in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

374,000 GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an average 

of 56 million metric tons of grain and 

oilseeds were inspected for export 

from Louisiana.

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds had an average market share of 9.4 

percent, which dropped to an average of 7.8 

percent in the period 2007–2010.

During the period 2006–2010, Louisiana 

shipped 1.5 million tons of corn by rail, up 

186 percent from 512,000 tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure LA-1)

Louisiana received a total of 15.4 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 15.1 percent from 

13.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure LA-2)

87%

6% 2%

5%

Jackson, MS-AL-LA

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA-AR

Tupelo, MS-AL-TN

Others

71%

14%

4% 11%

IL

IA

NE

Others

Figure LA-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Louisiana Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure LA-2. Sources of Louisiana Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010
60

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, Louisiana shipped 

252,000 tons of soybeans by rail. 

(Figure LA-3) 

Louisiana received a total of 14.9 million 

tons of soybeans by rail during the 2006–

2010 marketing years, up 134.5 percent 

from 6.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure LA-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 173,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Louisiana. 

(Figure LA-5)

Louisiana received a total of 4.4 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 20 percent from 

5.6 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure LA-6)

Seven percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Louisiana from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 86 percent were 6–49 

cars, 2 were 50–74 cars, and the remaining 

5 percent of shipments were 75 cars or 

greater. (Figure LA-7)

52%

33%

15%

Mexico

New Orleans, LA-MS

Kansas City, MO-KS

24%

21%

18%

10%

4%

4%

19% IA

IL

NE

KS

MS

TN

Others

Figure LA-4. Sources of Louisiana Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure LA-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Louisiana Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

27%

27%

21%

18% 5%

2%

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Mexico

Corpus Christi, TX

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

San Antonio, TX

Others

Figure LA-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Louisiana Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010
61

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure LA-6. Sources of Louisiana Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

35%

12%

12%

7%

6%

6%

5%

4%

13%

KS

OK

TX

WI

ND

SD

MN

OH

Others

7%

86%

2%

5% 1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure LA-7. Louisiana Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Table LA-1. Louisiana Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 76.71 mbu 33.01 mbu 10.94 mbu 202.32 mbu 374,094

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

31,522,285 18,550,816 4,995,091 55,961,451 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 15,430,730 14,917,995 4,431,420 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 1,465,728 252,358 172,832 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
62

Maine

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure ME-1. Sources of Maine Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Maine ranks 42nd among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 2.9 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the years 2006–2010, oats made up 

67 percent of Maine grain crops while barley 

made up the remaining 33 percent.

Nationally, Maine is ranked 41st in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 614,000 

GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

during the crop marketing years 2001–2004 

averaged a market share of 17.8 percent, 

which increased to an average of 27.9 

percent during the period 2007–2010.

Maine received a total of 562,000 tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 5.1 percent from 592,000 tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure ME-1)

63%

19%

16% 2%

MA

NY

OH

Others

Table ME-1. Maine Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production - - - 2.86 mbu 613,964

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 562,056 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
63

Maryland

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table MD-1. Maryland Summary Table, 2006-2010

68%

10%

9%

7%

6%

OH

MI

IL

IN

Others

Figure MD-1. Sources of Maryland Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Maryland ranks 29th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 81.2 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the period 2006–2010, corn 

comprised 65 percent of Maryland grain 

crops, soybeans 19 percent, wheat 13 

percent, and barley 3 percent.

Nationally, Maryland is ranked 27th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 4 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years 2007–2010, 

railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 2.6 percent, a 

decrease from the 8.9 percent average in 

the period 2001–2004.

Maryland received a total of 938,000 tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 63.8 percent from 2.6 million 

tons during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure MD-1)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 52.58 mbu 15.37 mbu 10.40 mbu 81.17 mbu 3,979,212

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 937,768 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
64

Massachusetts

Table MA-1. Massachusetts Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MA-2. Sources of Massachusetts Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

63%

22%

7%

4%

4%

OH

NY

MI

IN

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

91%

7% 2%

IL

NY

Others

Nationally, Massachusetts is ranked 45th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

93,000 GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Massachusetts received a total of 1.1 

million tons of corn by rail during the 

2006–2010 marketing years, up 138 percent 

from 467,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MA-1)

Massachusetts received a total of 1.18 

million tons of wheat by rail during the 

2006–2010 marketing years, down 1.5 

percent from 1.19 million tons during the 

1996–2000 marketing years. (Figure MA-2)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs

Average Yearly 

Production - - - - 93,011

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,112,276 - 1,175,656 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

Figure MA-1. Sources of Massachusetts Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010
65

Michigan

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Michigan ranks 14th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 424.7 million 

bushels (mbu). 

On average, from 2006 to 2010, corn 

comprised 71 percent of Michigan grain 

crops, soybeans 19 percent, wheat 10 

percent, and oats 1 percent.

Nationally, Michigan is ranked 21st in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 6.7 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an average 

of 2,900 metric tons of grain and oilseeds 

were inspected for export from Michigan.

During the crop marketing years from 

2007 to 2010, railroad originations of 

grain and oilseeds had an average market 

share of 20.4 percent, a decrease from 

the 27.2-percent average in the years 

2001–2004.

During the period 2006–2010, Michigan 

shipped 8.3 million tons of corn by rail, up 

2.3 percent from 8.2 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure MI-1)

From 2006 to 2010, Michigan shipped 3.8 

million tons of soybeans by rail, up 74.4 

percent from 2.2 million tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure MI-2)

30%

9%

8%

8%

6%

4%

4%

4%

27%

Greenville, NC

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, NC-VA

Columbia, SC

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Staunton, VA-WV

Ontario, Canada

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Others

Figure MI-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Michigan Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

28%

16%

13%

11%

5%

5%

5%

3%

14%

Albany, GA

Fayetteville, NC

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Mobile, AL

Huntsville, AL-TN

New Orleans, LA-MS

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Toledo, OH

Others

Figure MI-2. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Michigan Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
66

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MI-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Michigan Wheat by Rail, 2006-2010

In the years 2006–2010, 1.9 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Michigan, 

an 83.3 percent increase from 1 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure MI-3)

Michigan received a total of 694,000 tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 26.3 percent 

from 942,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MI-4)

Seventeen percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Michigan from 

2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 15 

percent were 6–49 cars, 57 percent were 

50–74 cars, and the remaining 11 percent 

of shipments were 75 cars or greater. 

(Figure MI-5)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Michigan were 9.8 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.81 cents per ton-mile in 1999 to 9.74 

cents in 2001. (Figure MI-6)

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure MI-4. Sources of Michigan Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MI-5. Michigan Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

17%

13%

10%

8% 9%

8%

4%

4%

4%

23%

Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, MI

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Toledo, OH

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Omaha, NE-IA-MO

Memphis, TN-AR-MS-KY

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Others

48%

47%

5%

IL

MI

Others

17%

15%

57%

11%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
67

Figure MI-6. Average Michigan Rail Tariff Rates

Table MI-1. Michigan Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 299.41 mbu 79.88 mbu 41.05 mbu 424.65 mbu 6,704,745

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

- 2,923 4 2,927 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) - - 694,136 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 8,341,549 3,795,369 1,853,139 - -

0.025

0.035

0.045

0.055

0.065

0.075

0.085

0.095

0.105

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
68

Minnesota

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MN-2. Sources of Minnesota Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Minnesota ranks fourth among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 2006–

2010 average yearly production of 1.6 billion 

bushels (bbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn comprised 75 

percent of Minnesota grain crops, 

soybeans 18 percent, wheat 6 percent, and 

oats 1 percent.

Nationally, Minnesota is ranked sixth in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

22.1 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an average 

of 332,000 metric tons of grain and oilseeds 

were inspected for export from Minnesota.

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 39.8 percent 

in the crop marketing years 2007–2010, a 

decrease from the average of 42.2 percent 

in the period 2001–2004.

During the period 2006–2010, Minnesota 

shipped 54.9 million tons of corn by rail, up 

39.7 percent from 39.3 million tons from 

1996 to 2000. (Figure MN-1)

Minnesota received a total of 2 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 63.6 percent from 

5.6 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MN-2)

48%

14%

4%

3%

3%

3%

2%

23%

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Fresno, CA

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

Others

Figure MN-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Minnesota Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

81%

16%

3%

MN

ND

Others
69

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MN-4. Sources of Minnesota Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

From 2006 to 2010, Minnesota shipped 18.8 

million tons of soybeans by rail, up 24.1 

percent from 15.1 million tons shipped in 

the period 1996–2000. (Figure MN-3)

Minnesota received a total of 2 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 61.3 percent from 

5.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MN-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 11.4 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Minnesota, 

an 8.5 percent decrease from 12.5 million 

tons from 1996 to 2000. (Figure MN-5)

Minnesota received a total of 8.9 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 17.1 percent from 

10.8 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MN-6)

Six percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Minnesota from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 23 percent were 6–49 

cars, 5 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 66 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure MN-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Minnesota were 2.9 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.06 cents per ton-mile in 2004 to 3.77 

cents in 2010. Rates increased 63 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure MN-8)

50%

36%

4%

4%

6%

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Others

Figure MN-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Minnesota Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

39%

36%

24%

1%

SD

MN

ND

Others
70

Figure MN-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Minnesota Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

30%

17%

13%

8%

8%

4%

4%

16%

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Duluth-Superior, MN-WI

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

St. Louis, MO-IL

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Rochester, MN-IA-WI

New York-No. New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PA-MA-VT

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

45%

30%

18%

7%

ND

SD

MN

Others

Figure MN-6. Sources of Minnesota Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

6%

23%

5%

66%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure MN-7. Minnesota Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
71

Figure MN-8. Average Minnesota Rail Tariff Rates

Table MN-1. Minnesota Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 1194.62 mbu 292.99 mbu 87.79 mbu 1592.48 mbu 22,123,049

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

16,817 116,573 187,148 331,599 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 2,043,922 2,037,788 8,931,505 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 54,888,209 18,756,891 11,430,710 - -

0.020

0.022

0.024

0.026

0.028

0.030

0.032

0.034

0.036

0.038

0.040

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
72

Mississippi

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Mississippi ranks 17th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 234.2 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, 38 percent of Mississippi 

grain crops were corn, 28 percent soybeans, 

15 percent rice, 10 percent cottonseed, 6 

percent wheat, 2 percent sorghum, and 1 

percent peanuts.

Nationally, Mississippi is ranked 19th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

10 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 8.6 percent 

during the crop marketing years of 2001–

2004, dropping to an average of 5.3 percent 

during 2007–2010.

During the period 2006–2010, Mississippi 

shipped 497,000 tons of corn by rail, down 

57.6 percent from 1.2 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure MS-1)

Mississippi received a total of 10.1 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 5.6 percent from 

10.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MS-2)

85%

5%

4%

6%

Jackson, MS-AL-LA

New Orleans, LA-MS

Greenville, MS

Others

Figure MS-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Mississippi Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

53%

13%

11%

9%

7%

7%

IL

LA

TN

MN

IA

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MS-2. Sources of Mississippi Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010
73

Figure MS-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Mississippi Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, Mississippi shipped 

910,000 tons of soybeans by rail, up 110 

percent from 432,000 tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure MS-3)

Mississippi received a total of 954,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 46.3 percent from 

1.8 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MS-4)

Twenty-five percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Mississippi from 

2006– to were 1–5 cars in size, 68 percent 

were 6–49 cars, and the remaining 7 percent 

of shipments were 75 cars or greater. 

(Figure MS-5)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Mississippi were 6.4 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 3.31 cents per ton-mile in 1997 to 6.42 

cents in 2006. Rates increased 3 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure MS-6)

66%

24%

5%

5%

New Orleans, LA-MS

St. Louis, MO-IL

Memphis, TN-AR-MS-KY

Others

82%

14%

4%

IL

IA

Others

Figure MS-4. Sources of Mississippi Rail 

Soybean Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

25%

68%

7%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure MS-5. Mississippi Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size
74

Figure MS-6 Average Mississippi Rail Tariff Rates

Table MS-1. Mississippi Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

0.030

0.040

0.050

0.060

0.070

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 89.42 mbu 66.60 mbu 13.16 mbu 234.21 mbu 9,977,804

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 10,054,739 954,116 - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 496,652 909,579 - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
75

Missouri

Missouri ranks 10th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 695.7 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn made up 58 

percent of Missouri grain crops, 

soybeans 29 percent, wheat 5 percent, 

rice 4 percent, cottonseeds 2 percent, and 

sorghum 1 percent.

Nationally, Missouri is ranked 14th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 12.4 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2007 

to 2010, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds had an average market share of 

14.7 percent, a decrease from the 2001–

2004 average of 17.6 percent.

During the period 2006–2010, Missouri 

shipped 8.5 million tons of corn by rail, up 

4.1 percent from 8.2 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure MO-1)

Missouri received a total of 1.9 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 74.2 percent from 

7.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MO-2)

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

44%

15%

13%

12%

5%

11%

IA

MN

MO

NE

IL

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MO-2. Sources of Missouri Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

16%

15%

10%

8%

8% 6%

5%

5%

4%

2%

21%

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Mexico

Fort Smith, AR-OK

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO-OK

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

Amarillo, TX-NM

Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR

Lubbock, TX

Fresno, CA

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX

Others

Figure MO-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Missouri Corn by Rail, 2006–2010
76

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, Missouri shipped 3.5 

million tons of soybeans by rail, up 0.9 

percent from the 1996–2000 average. 

(Figure MO-3)

Missouri received a total of 1.1 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 60.6 percent from 

2.8 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MO-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 2.3 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Missouri, a 

25.3-percent decrease from 3.1 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure MO-5)

Missouri received a total of 13.4 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 32.7 percent from 

10.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MO-6)

Thirteen percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Missouri from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 46 percent were 6–49 

cars, 7 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 34 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure MO-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Missouri were 4 cents per tonmile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged from 

2.78 cents per ton-mile in 1995 to 4.32 cents 

in 2004. Rates increased 6 percent from 

2005 to 2010. (Figure MO-8)

27%

11%

10%

8%

8%

7%

6%

6%

17%

St. Louis, MO-IL

Mexico

El Paso, TX-NM

New Orleans, LA-MS

Corpus Christi, TX

Champaign-Urbana, IL

Kansas City, MO-KS

Springfield, IL-MO

Others

Figure MO-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Missouri Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

38%

31%

9%

6%

4%

12%

MO

NE

ND

MN

IA

Others

Figure MO-4. Sources of Missouri Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
77

Figure MO-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Missouri Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure MO-6. Sources of Missouri Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure MO-7. Missouri Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

35%

15%

10%

9%

7%

4%

20%

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Mexico

Kansas City, MO-KS

Hickory-Morganton, NC-TN

St. Louis, MO-IL

Others

38%

21%

10%

7%

6%

18%

ND

KS

SD

MN

NE

Others

13%

46%

7%

34%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
78

Figure MO-8. Average Missouri Rail Tariff Rates

Table MO-1. Missouri Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 403.62 mbu 200.28 mbu 37.91 mbu 695.73 mbu 12,432,687

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,899,582 1,096,596 13,418,640 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 8,530,602 3,527,632 2,302,951 - -

0.025

0.027

0.029

0.031

0.033

0.035

0.037

0.039

0.041

0.043

0.045

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
79

Montana

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MT-1. Sources of Montana Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Figure MT-2. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Montana Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Montana ranks 18th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 213.9 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the years 2006–2010, 80 percent 

of Montana grain crops were wheat, 17 

percent barley, 2 percent corn, and 1 

percent oats.

Nationally, Montana is ranked 38th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

1.1 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2007 

to 2010, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 95 

percent, an increase from the 2001–2004 

average 76.7 percent.

Montana received a total of 512,000 tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, up 84.8 percent from 277,000 tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure MT-1)

In the years 2006–2010, 25.8 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Montana, 

a 48-percent increase from 17.4 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure MT-2)

72%

20%

8%

ND

MN

SD

74%

5%

4%

17%

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Spokane, WA-ID

Others
80

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure MT-3. Sources of Montana Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Montana received a total of 396,000 tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 29.9 percent from 

305,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure MT-3)

Eleven percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Montana from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 35 percent were 6–49 

cars, 13 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 41 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure MT-4)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Montana were 3.3 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.82 cents per ton-mile in 2001 to 3.54 

cents in 2010. Rates increased 16 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure MT-5)

53%

32%

8%

7%

MT

ND

SD

Others

11%

35%

13%

41%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure MT-4. Montana Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size
81

Figure MT-5. Average Montana Rail Tariff Rates

Table MT-1. Montana Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

0.027

0.028

0.029

0.030

0.031

0.032

0.033

0.034

0.035

0.036

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 4.25 mbu - 171.92 mbu 213.91 mbu 1,129,415

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 512,168 - 396,264 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - 25,772,457 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
82

Nebraska

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure NE-2. Business Economic Areas Receiving Nebraska Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Nebraska ranks third among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 1.8 billion 

bushels (bbu). 

On average from 2006 to 2010, corn 

comprised 81 percent of Nebraska grain 

crops, soybeans 14 percent, wheat 4 

percent, and sorghum 1 percent.

Nationally, Nebraska is ranked fourth in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

30.4 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

during the crop marketing years 2007–2010 

had an average market share of 35.2 

percent, which is a decrease from the 

2001–2004 average of 37.5 percent.

During the period 2006–2010, Nebraska 

shipped 59.5 million tons of corn by rail, 

down 5.2 percent from 62.7 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure NE-1)

From 2006 to 2010, Nebraska shipped 

15 million tons of soybeans by rail, up 65 

percent from 9.1 million tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure NE-2)

17%

15%

12%

6% 7%

6%

5%

4%

28%

Fresno, CA

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Amarillo, TX-NM

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Twin Falls, ID

Others

31%

23%

18%

6%

5%

4%

13% Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

New Orleans, LA-MS

Corpus Christi, TX

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

San Antonio, TX

Others

Figure NE-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Nebraska Corn by Rail, 2006–2010
83

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure NE-4. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Nebraska Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Nebraska received a total of 401,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 37.2 percent 

from 639,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NE-3)

In the years 2006–2010, 13.2 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Nebraska, a 

17.9-percent increase from 11.2 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure NE-4)

Nebraska received a total of 785,000 tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 31.9 percent from 

1.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NE-5)

Six percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Nebraska from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 15 percent were 6–49 

cars, 5 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 74 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure NE-6)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Nebraska were 2.7 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 1.98 cents per ton-mile in 1999 to 3.07 

cents in 2010. Rates increased 47 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure NE-7)

94%

3%

3%

NE

IA

Others

21%

19%

10% 6%

5%

5%

5%

4%

4%

21%

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Kansas City, MO-KS

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Oklahoma City, OK

St. Louis, MO-IL

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Others

Figure NE-3. Sources of Nebraska Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
84

Figure NE-6. Nebraska Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure NE-7. Average Nebraska Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

22%

18%

18%

14%

11%

7%

10%

ND

MN

SD

NE

MI

KS

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure NE-5. Sources of Nebraska Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

6%

15%

5%

74%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in
85

Table NE-1. Nebraska Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 1417.61 mbu 240.00 mbu 71.97 mbu 1747.78 mbu 30,366,640

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) - 400,967 784,728 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 59,470,185 14,999,524 13,222,266 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
86

Nevada

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table NV-1. Nevada Summary Table, 2006-2010

69%

26%

5%

NE

IA

Others

Figure NV-1. Sources of Nevada Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Nevada ranks 43rd among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 1.3 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, wheat made up 90 

percent of Nevada grain crops and barley 

made up the remaining 10 percent.

Nationally, Nevada is ranked 44th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 334,000 

GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years 2001–2004, 

railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 41.1 

percent, later decreasing to 30 percent for 

the period 2007–2010.

Nevada received a total of 510,000 tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, up 21.9 percent from 418,000 tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure NV-1)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production - - 1.20 mbu 1.33 mbu 334,388

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 509,540 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
87

New Hampshire

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table NH-1. New Hampshire Summary Table, 2006-2010

Nationally, New Hampshire is ranked 46th 

in animal and poultry production, averaging 

90,000 GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

New Hampshire received a total of 46,000 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 32.6 percent 

from 67,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NH-1)

91%

9%

NY

OH

Figure NH-1. Sources of New Hampshire Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production - - - - 89,677

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 45,448 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
88

New Jersey

New Jersey ranks 39th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 13.4 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the period 2006–2010, corn 

comprised 67 percent of New Jersey grain 

crops, soybeans 21 percent, wheat 11 

percent, and barley 1 percent.

Nationally, New Jersey is ranked 47th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

64,000 GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 24.1 percent 

during the marketing years 2001–2004, later 

increasing to 27.2 percent in the period 

2007–2010.

New Jersey was the recipient of 314,000 

tons of soybeans by rail in the years 2006–

2010. (Figure NJ-1)

New Jersey received a total of 1.1 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 4.1 percent from 

1.06 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NJ-2)

92%

4%

4%

NY

PA

Others

Figure NJ-1. Sources of New Jersey Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

100%

IL

Figure NJ-2. Sources of New Jersey Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
89

Table NJ-1. New Jersey Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 9.02 mbu 2.81 mbu 1.47 mbu 13.38 mbu 64,375

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) - 313,448 1,099,368 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
90

New Mexico

92%

4%

4%

NY

PA

Others

Figure NM-1. Sources of New Mexico Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table NM-1. New Mexico Summary Table, 2006-2010

New Mexico ranks 37th among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 

2006–2010 average yearly production of 22 

million bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn comprised 

45 percent of New Mexico grain crops, 

wheat 26 percent, sorghum 14 percent, 

cottonseeds 9 percent, and peanuts 

6 percent.

Nationally, New Mexico is ranked 32nd in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

2.8 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

In the crop marketing years 2007–2010, 

railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 7.5 percent, a 

decrease from the 2001–2004 average of 

10.7 percent.

New Mexico received a total of 3.3 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 147 percent from 

1.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NM-1)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 9.82 mbu - 5.61 mbu 21.98 mbu 2,834,203

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 3,251,067 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
91

New York

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

New York ranks 28th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 100 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn comprised 79 

percent of New York grain crops, soybeans 

10 percent, wheat 6 percent, oats 4 percent, 

and barley 1 percent.

Nationally, New York is ranked 25th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

4.4 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations had an average market 

share of 13.3 percent for the crop marketing 

years of 2007–2010, a decrease from the 

2001–2004 average of 16.2 percent.

New York received a total of 1.2 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 57.6 percent from 

2.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NY-1)

New York received a total of 6 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 31.4 percent from 

8.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NY-2)

32%

28%

21%

11% 7%

1%

OH

IL

IN

NY

MI

Others

Figure NY-1. Sources of New York Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

89%

7%

4%

IL

OH

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure NY-2. Sources of New York Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010
92

Table NY-1. New York Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 78.54 mbu 10.35 mbu 6.30 mbu 99.97 mbu 4,352,053

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,150,441 - 5,981,547 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
93

North Carolina

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

North Carolina ranks 21st among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 2006–

2010 average yearly production of 191.8 

million bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn comprised 45 

percent of North Carolina grain crops, 

soybeans 24 percent, wheat 14 percent, 

cottonseeds 9 percent, peanuts 6 percent, 

and oats and barley 1 percent each. 

Nationally, North Carolina is ranked third in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

35.9 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an 

average of 122,000 metric tons of grain and 

oilseeds were inspected for export from 

North Carolina.

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 5.8 percent 

during the crop market years of 2001–2004, 

which decreased to an average of 2.2 

percent in the period 2007–2010.

North Carolina received a total of 26 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 2.4 percent from 

26.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NC-1)

North Carolina received a total of 4.1 million 

tons of soybeans by rail during the 2006–

2010 marketing years, down 20.4 percent 

from 5.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NC-2)

52%

26%

17%

5%

OH

IN

MI

Others

Figure NC-1. Sources of North Carolina Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

45%

22%

17%

5%

11%

OH

IN

MI

IL

Others

Figure NC-2. Sources of North Carolina Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
94

Figure NC-5. North Carolina Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure NC-4. Sources of North Carolina Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

In the years 2006–2010, 232,000 tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from North 

Carolina, a 59.3-percent decrease from 

569,000 tons from 1996 to 2000. (Figure 

NC-3)

North Carolina received a total of 3.3 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 4.3 percent from 

3.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure NC-4)

Eighty-nine percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in North Carolina 

from 2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size; the 

remaining 11 percent of shipments were 

6–49 cars long. (Figure NC-5)

30%

28%

16%

13%

9%

4%

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Roanoke, VA-NC-WV

Hickory-Morganton, NC-TN

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure NC-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving North 

Carolina Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

40%

38%

8%

14%

MO

IL

OH

Others

89%

11%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
95

Table NC-1. North Carolina Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 86.69 mbu 45.89 mbu 26.29 mbu 191.80 mbu 35,913,906

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

24,570 89,188 8,084 121,945 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 26,013,640 4,064,890 3,248,143 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - 231,724 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
96

North Dakota

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure ND-2. Sources of North Dakota Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

North Dakota ranks ninth among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 2006–

2010 average yearly production of 755.1 

million bushels (mbu). 

In the period 2006–2010, wheat comprised 

42 percent of North Dakota grain crops, 

corn 31 percent, soybeans 16 percent, 

barley 9 percent, and flaxseed and oats 1 

percent each.

Nationally, North Dakota is ranked 37th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

1.2 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds had an average market share of 

65.6 percent, which increased to an average 

of 86 percent for the period 2007–2010.

During the period 2006–2010, North Dakota 

shipped 16.9 million tons of corn by rail, up 

331 percent from 3.9 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure ND-1)

North Dakota received a total of 3 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure ND-2)

40%

26%

15%

4%

15%

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN

Alberta, Canada

Others

Figure ND-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving North 

Dakota Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

80%

14%

6%

ND

MN

SD

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
97

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, North Dakota shipped 

21.4 million tons of soybeans by rail, up 379 

percent from 4.5 million tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure ND-3)

North Dakota received a total of 1 million 

tons of soybeans by rail during the 2006–

2010 marketing years. (Figure ND-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 47.1 million tons 

of wheat were shipped by rail from North 

Dakota, a 31.1-percent increase from 36 

million tons from 1996 to 2000. (Figure 

ND-5)

North Dakota received a total of 3.7 

million tons of wheat by rail during the 

2006–2010 marketing years, up 74 percent 

from 2.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure ND-6)

Ten percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in North Dakota from 2006 to 

2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 35 percent were 

6–49 cars, 7 percent were 50–74 cars, and 

the remaining 48 percent of shipments were 

75 cars or greater. (Figure ND-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in North Dakota were 3.4 cents 

per ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates 

ranged from 3.03 cents per ton-mile in 2004 

to 4.16 cents in 2010. Rates increased 22 

percent from 2005 to 2010. (Figure ND-8)

51%

39%

6%

4%

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN

Others

Figure ND-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving North 

Dakota Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

99%

1%

ND

SD

Figure ND-4. Sources of North Dakota Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
98

Figure ND-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving North Dakota Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure ND-6. Sources of North Dakota Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure ND-7. North Dakota Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

20%

19%

19%

12%

5%

4%

21%

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Duluth-Superior, MN-WI

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

St. Louis, MO-IL

Fargo-Moorhead, ND-MN

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

79%

9%

7%

5%

ND

MT

MN

Others

10%

35%

7%

48%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
99

Figure ND-8. Average North Dakota Rail Tariff Rates

Table ND-1. North Dakota Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 233.92 mbu 117.67 mbu 320.12 mbu 755.11 mbu 1,214,854

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 2,963,834 1,002,060 3,683,122 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 16,845,471 21,347,228 47,047,967 - -

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
100

Ohio

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure OH-2. Sources of Ohio Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Ohio ranks eighth among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 770.3 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn made up 65 

percent of Ohio grain crops, soybeans 26 

percent, and wheat 8 percent.

Nationally, Ohio is ranked 18th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 10.8 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an average 

of 1.2 million metric tons of grain and 

oilseeds were inspected for export 

from Ohio.

During the crop marketing years 2007–2010, 

railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds had an average market share 

of 38.8 percent, a drop from the 44.8 

percent average market share in the period 

2001–2004.

During the period 2006–2010, Ohio shipped 

28.7 million tons of corn by rail, up 0.3 

percent from 28.6 million tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure OH-1)

Ohio received a total of 734,000 tons of corn 

by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 55 percent from 1.6 million 

tons during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure OH-2)

19%

12%

8%

8%

7%

6%

6%

5%

4%

4%

21%

Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, NC-VA

Greenville, NC

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Knoxville, TN

Salisbury, MD-DE-VA

Columbia, SC

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Staunton, VA-WV

Others

35%

32%

18%

13%

2%

IL

OH

MI

IN

Others

Figure OH-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving Ohio 

Corn by Rail, 2006–2010
101

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006–2010, Ohio shipped 10.6 million 

tons of soybeans by rail, up 32.7 percent 

from 8 million tons shipped in the period 

1996–2000. (Figure OH-3)

Ohio received a total of 1.5 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 35.6 percent from 

2.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure OH-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 3.6 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Ohio, a 

16.4-percent increase from 3.1 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure OH-5)

Ohio received a total of 2.3 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 49.5 percent from 

4.5 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure OH-6)

Fourteen percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Ohio from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 19 percent were 6–49 

cars, 54 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 13 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure OH-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Ohio were 3.6 cents per tonmile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged from 

2.83 cents per ton-mile in 2000 to 6.57 cents 

in 1995. Rates increased 7 percent from 

2005 to 2010. (Figure OH-8)

19%

14%

10%

9%

8%

8%

7%

6%

5%

4%

10%

Huntsville, AL-TN

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Fayetteville, NC

Mobile, AL

Cleveland-Akron, OH-PA

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

Albany, GA

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Jacksonville, FL-GA

Others

Figure OH-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Ohio 

Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

59%

17%

13%

10%

1%

OH

MI

IN

IL

Others

Figure OH-4. Sources of Ohio Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010
102

Figure OH-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Ohio Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

14%

12%

12%

11% 9%

5%

4%

33%

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Chattanooga, TN-GA

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

New Orleans, LA-MS

St. Louis, MO-IL

Others

80%

8%

7%

5%

IL

MI

OH

Others

Figure OH-6. Sources of Ohio Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

14%

19%

54%

13%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure OH-7. Ohio Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size
103

Figure OH-8. Average Ohio Rail Tariff Rates

Table OH-1. Ohio Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 502.54 mbu 204.00 mbu 60.05 mbu 770.27 mbu 10,784,999

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

467,393 595,067 106,766 1,169,256 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 734,005 1,447,849 2,256,552 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 28,680,192 10,551,721 3,635,447 - -

0.025

0.035

0.045

0.055

0.065

0.075

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
104

Oklahoma

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure OK-2. Sources of Oklahoma Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure OK-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Oklahoma Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Oklahoma ranks 23rd among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 174.8 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the years 2006–2010, wheat 

comprised 62 percent of Oklahoma grain 

crops, corn 20 percent, sorghum 7 percent, 

soybeans 5 percent, cottonseed 4 percent, 

peanuts 2 percent, and rye 1 percent.

Nationally, Oklahoma is ranked 10th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

15 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 47.6 percent 

during the crop marketing years 2001–2004, 

which later increased to an average of 52.9 

percent in the period 2007–2010.

During the period 2006–2010, Oklahoma 

shipped 69,000 tons of corn by rail, down 

81.7 percent from 376,000 tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure OK-1)

Oklahoma received a total of 9.3 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 47.5 percent from 

6.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure OK-2)

72%

14%

7%

6% 1%

Western Oklahoma, OK

Fort Smith, AR-OK

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

30%

19%

17%

13%

10%

9%

2%

IA

NE

KS

MN

IL

MO

Others
105

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure OK-4. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Oklahoma Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Oklahoma received a total of 125,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure OK-3)

In the years 2006–2010, 12.1 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Oklahoma, 

a 17.5-percent increase from 10.3 million 

tons from 1996 to 2000. (Figure OK-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 2.6 million tons 

of wheat were received by Oklahoma, a 

177-percent increase from the 951,000 tons 

received from 1996 to 2000. (Figure OK-5)

Three percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Oklahoma from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 24 percent were 6–49 

cars, 3 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 70 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure OK-6)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Oklahoma were 3.9 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.50 cents per ton-mile in 2001 to 5.16 

cents in 2010. Rates increased 74 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure OK-7)

49%

45%

6%

MO

KS

IA

Figure OK-3. Sources of Oklahoma Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

43%

20%

16%

5%

5%

11%

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

New Orleans, LA-MS

Others
106

Figure OK-6. Oklahoma Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure OK-7. Average Oklahoma Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

39%

25%

10%

6%

6%

4%

10%

KS

NE

SD

OK

ND

IL

Others

Figure OK-5. Sources of Oklahoma Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

3%

24%

3%

70%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in
107

Table OK-1. Oklahoma Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 35.37 mbu 8.26 mbu 108.80 mbu 174.77 mbu 15,033,856

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 9,284,415 125,016 2,637,918 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 68,770 - 12,053,613 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
108

Oregon

Oregon ranks 33rd among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 61.6 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, wheat made up 82 

percent of Oregon grain crops, corn 11 

percent, barley 4 percent, and oats 

3 percent.

Nationally, Oregon is ranked 34th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 1.9 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an 

average of 6.2 million metric tons of grain 

and oilseeds were inspected for export from 

Oregon.

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 13.4 

percent, dropping to an average of 9.6 

percent during 2007–2010.

Oregon received a total of 5.5 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 247 percent from 

1.6 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure OR-1)

Oregon received a total of 18.4 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 10.2 percent from 

16.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure OR-2)

40%

24%

17%

15%

4%

MN

NE

SD

ND

Others

Figure OR-1. Sources of Oregon Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

43%

23%

12%

9%

13%

MT

ND

WA

ID

Others

Figure OR-2. Sources of Oregon Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
109

Table OR-1. Oregon Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 6.66 mbu - 50.63 mbu 61.64 mbu 1,854,808

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

240,718 227,476 5,442,523 6,164,539 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 5,532,170 - 18,379,466 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
110

Pennsylvania

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure PA-2. Sources of Pennsylvania Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

48%

15%

13%

9%

8%

7%

New York-No. New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PA-MA-VT

Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, PA

Fort Wayne, IN

Toledo, OH

42%

19%

17%

10%

5%

7%

OH

IN

IL

MI

NY

Others

Figure PA-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Pennsylvania Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Pennsylvania ranks 26th among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 2006–

2010 average yearly production of 157.8 

million bushels (mbu). 

During the years 2006–2010, corn comprised 

77 percent of Pennsylvania grain crops, 

soybeans 12 percent, wheat 6 percent, oats 

3 percent, and barley 2 percent.

Nationally, Pennsylvania is ranked 17th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

10.8 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

In the crop marketing years 2007–2010, 

railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 1.2 percent, a 

decrease from the 2001–2004 average of 

4.6 percent.

During the period 2006–2010, Pennsylvania 

shipped 57,000 tons of corn by rail, down 

73.8 percent from 216,000 tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure PA-1)

Pennsylvania received a total of 1.8 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 46.5 percent from 

3.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure PA-2)

From 2006–2010, Pennsylvania shipped 

162,000 tons of soybeans by rail. 

(Figure PA-3)

Pennsylvania received a total of 5.8 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 45.6 percent from 

4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure PA-4)

Ninety-four percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Pennsylvania from 

2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size, while 

the remaining 6 percent of shipments were 

6–49 cars long. (Figure PA-5)
111

76%

8%

7% 7% 2%

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

New York-No. New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PA-MA-VT

Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, VA-NC

Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Figure PA-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Pennsylvania Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

60%

10%

7%

7%

4%

4%

8%

IL

ND

MN

NY

WI

OH

Others

Figure PA-4. Sources of Pennsylvania Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure PA-5. Pennsylvania Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

94%

6%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
112

Table PA-1. Pennsylvania Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 120.74 mbu 18.62 mbu 9.67 mbu 157.84 mbu 10,798,187

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,782,706 - 5,762,248 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 56,752 161,608 - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
113

South Carolina

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

South Carolina ranks 32nd among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 2006–

2010 average yearly production of 65.4 

million bushels (mbu). 

In the period 2006–2010, corn comprised 

47 percent of South Carolina grain crops, 

soybeans 19 percent, peanuts 14 percent, 

wheat 10 percent, cottonseed 9 percent, and 

oats 1 percent.

Nationally, South Carolina is ranked 26th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

4.1 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

 Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 2.6 percent 

during the crop marketing years of 2001–

2004, which later dropped to an average of 

2.5 percent from 2007 to 2010.

South Carolina received a total of 5.5 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 65.3 percent from 

3.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure SC-1)

South Carolina received a total of 969,000 

tons of soybeans by rail during the 2006–

2010 marketing years, down 14.4 percent 

from 1.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure SC-2)

38%

35%

13%

12%

2%

IN

OH

MI

IL

Others

Figure SC-1. Sources of South Carolina Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

82%

12%

4%

2%

OH

IN

MI

Others

Figure SC-2. Sources of South Carolina Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
114

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table SC-1. South Carolina Summary Table, 2006-2010

South Carolina received a total of 1.2 

million tons of wheat by rail during the 

2006–2010 marketing years, up 87.2 percent 

from 627,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure SC-3)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 30.85 mbu 12.23 mbu 6.60 mbu 65.36 mbu 4,138,897

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 5,543,071 969,272 1,172,296 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

79%

18%

3%

IL

TN

Others

Figure SC-3. Sources of South Carolina Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
115

South Dakota

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

South Dakota ranks seventh among the 

grain and oilseed producing States, with a 

2006–2010 average yearly production of 

838.7 million bushels (mbu). 

On average, from 2006 to 2010, 65 percent 

of South Dakota grain crops were corn, 18 

percent were soybeans, 16 percent wheat, 1 

percent sorghum, and 1 percent oats.

Nationally, South Dakota is ranked 20th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

8.7 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

During the crop marketing years from 2007 

to 2010, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds had an average market share 

of 43.6 percent, an increase from the 

average of 40.4 percent during the period 

2001–2004.

During the period 2006–2010, South Dakota 

shipped 19 million tons of corn by rail, up 

13.7 percent from 16.7 million tons from 

1996 to 2000. (Figure SD-1)

South Dakota received a total of 1.8 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure SD-2)

58%

20%

7% 3%

12%

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Sioux Falls, SD-IA-MN-NE

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Others

Figure SD-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving South 

Dakota Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

76%

24%

SD

MN

Figure SD-2. Sources of South Dakota Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
116

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

From 2006 to 2010, South Dakota shipped 

14.6 million tons of soybeans by rail, up 78.1 

percent from 8.2 million tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure SD-3)

South Dakota received a total of 72,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure SD-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 18.7 million tons 

of wheat were shipped by rail from South 

Dakota, a 113-percent increase from 8.8 

million tons from 1996 to 2000. 

(Figure SD-5)

Three percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in South Dakota from 2006 to 

2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 29 percent were 

6–49 cars, 6 percent were 50–74 cars, and 

the remaining 62 percent of shipments were 

75 cars or greater. (Figure SD-6)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in South Dakota were 2.5 cents 

per ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates 

ranged from 2.13 cents per ton-mile in 

2001 and 2004 to 3.02 cents in 2010. Rates 

increased 40 percent from 2005 to 2010. 

(Figure SD-7)

51%

37%

5%

7%

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Others

Figure SD-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving South 

Dakota Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

86%

14%

SD

MN

Figure SD-4. Sources of South Dakota Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010
117

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

3%

29%

6%

62% 1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

33%

12%

9%

7%

6%

5%

5%

5%

5%

13%

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Rochester, MN-IA-WI

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Duluth-Superior, MN-WI

St. Louis, MO-IL

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Corpus Christi, TX

Kansas City, MO-KS

Others

Figure SD-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving South Dakota Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Figure SD-6. South Dakota Grain Originations by Shipment Size
118

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 545.68 mbu 147.66 mbu 130.55 mbu 838.74 mbu 8,729,243

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 1,766,608 71,640 - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 18,992,277 14,558,643 18,671,684 - -

Table SD-1. South Dakota Summary Table, 2006-2010

Figure SD-7. Average South Dakota Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
119

Tennessee

Tennessee ranks 27th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 154.1 million 

bushels (mbu). 

In the period 2006–2010, corn comprised 50 

percent of Tennessee grain crops, soybeans 

29 percent, wheat 11 percent, cottonseed 10 

percent, and sorghum 1 percent.

Nationally, Tennessee is ranked 30th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

3.2 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

In the crop marketing years 2001–2004, 

railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

averaged a market share of 42 percent, 

which dropped to an average of 30.8 

percent during 2007–2010.

During the period 2006–2010, Tennessee 

shipped 2.8 million tons of corn by rail, up 

51.5 percent from 1.8 million tons from 1996 

to 2000. (Figure TN-1)

Tennessee received a total of 18.7 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 55.7 percent from 

12 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure TN-2)

39%

22%

16%

7%

16%

Jackson, MS-AL-LA

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Birmingham, AL

New Orleans, LA-MS

Others

Figure TN-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Tennessee Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

42%

36%

11%

11%

IL

IN

OH

Others

Figure TN-2. Sources of Tennessee Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
120

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure TN-4. Business Economic Areas Receiving Tennessee Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure TN-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Tennessee Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

From 2006 to 2010, Tennessee shipped 

844,000 tons of soybeans by rail, up 55.3 

percent from 544,000 tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure TN-3)

In the years 2006–2010, 1.7 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Tennessee, 

a 29.2-percent decrease from 2.4 million 

tons from 1996 to 2000. (Figure TN-4)

Tennessee received a total of 4.7 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 8.1 percent from 

5.1 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure TN-5)

Twenty-five percent of the grain car 

shipments originating in Tennessee from 

2006 to 2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 62 

percent were 6–49 cars, and the remaining 

13 percent of shipments were 50–74 cars 

long. (Figure TN-6)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Tennessee were 5.2 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.5 cents per ton-mile in 2004 to 6.3 

cents in 2007. Rates increased 16 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure TN-7)

66%

12%

9%

13%

New Orleans, LA-MS

Huntsville, AL-TN

Mobile, AL

Others

37%

25%

13%

5%

4%

3%

13% Chattanooga, TN-GA

Atlanta, GA-AL-NC

Columbia, SC

Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC

New Orleans, LA-MS

Huntsville, AL-TN

Others
121

Figure TN-6. Tennessee Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure TN-7. Average Tennessee Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

26%

24%

13%

12%

5%

20%

IL

KS

TN

OH

NE

Others

Figure TN-5. Sources of Tennessee Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

25%

62%

13%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

0.025

0.035

0.045

0.055

0.065

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in
122

Table TN-1. Tennessee Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 76.56 mbu 45.09 mbu 16.49 mbu 154.07 mbu 3,151,258

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 18,723,081 - 4,707,679 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 2,797,416 844,212 1,700,996 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
123

Texas

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Texas ranks 11th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 665.3 million 

bushels (mbu). 

During the period 2006–2010, corn 

comprised 38 percent of Texas grain crops, 

cottonseed 20 percent, sorghum 18 percent, 

wheat 14 percent, rice 4 percent, peanuts 

4 percent, and oats and soybeans each 

1 percent.

Nationally, Texas is ranked first in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 37.9 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an 

average of 14.1 million metric tons of grain 

and oilseeds were inspected for export 

from Texas.

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 20.3 percent 

in the crop marketing years 2007–2010, a 

slight decrease from the 2001–2004 average 

of 21 percent.

During the period 2006–2010, Texas shipped 

1 million tons of corn by rail, down 65.6 

percent from 3 million tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure TX-1)

Texas received a total of 51.7 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, up 56 percent from 33.2 million tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure TX-2)

27%

16%

12%

11%

10%

5%

4%

15%

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX

Lubbock, TX

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Amarillo, TX-NM

Flagstaff, AZ-UT

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure TX-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving Texas 

Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

39%

29%

17%

6%

9%

IL

NE

IA

MO

Others

Figure TX-2. Sources of Texas Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010
124

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure TX-4. Sources of Texas Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010

From 2006 to 2010, Texas shipped 221,000 

tons of soybeans by rail, down 70.6 percent 

from 751,000 tons shipped in the period 

1996–2000. (Figure TX-3)

Texas received a total of 8.4 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 44.4 percent from 

15.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure TX-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 10.5 million tons 

of wheat were shipped by rail from Texas, a 

5.7 percent decrease from 11.1 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure TX-5)

Texas received a total of 55.6 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 10.3 percent from 

50.4 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure TX-6)

Eighteen percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Texas from 2006 to 2010 were 

1–5 cars in size, 38 percent were 6–49 cars, 7 

percent were 50–74 cars, and the remaining 

37 percent of shipments were 75 cars or 

greater. (Figure TX-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Texas were 4.3 cents per tonmile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged from 

2.88 cents per ton-mile in 1996 to 5.13 cents 

in 2010. Rates increased 64 percent from 

2005 to 2010. (Figure TX-8)

36%

11% 15%

8%

8%

7%

5%

5%

5%

New Orleans, LA-MS

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX

San Antonio, TX

Amarillo, TX-NM

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

Sioux City, IA-NE-SD

Denver-Boulder-Greeley, CO-KS-NE

Others

Figure TX-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving Texas 

Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

35%

34%

13%

11%

7%

KS

NE

IA

MO

Others
125

Figure TX-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Texas Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure TX-6. Sources of Texas Rail Wheat 

Receipts, 2006–2010

35%

11% 16%

10%

5%

5%

4%

4%

10%

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

Corpus Christi, TX

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, CA-AZ

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX-AR-OK

New Orleans, LA-MS

San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA

San Antonio, TX

Others

36%

19%

14%

8%

7%

5%

4%

7%

KS

OK

TX

NE

SD

CO

ND

Others

18%

38%

7%

37%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Figure TX-7. Texas Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
126

Figure TX-8. Average Texas Rail Tariff Rates

Table TX-1. Texas Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 255.43 mbu 4.50 mbu 92.39 mbu 665.33 mbu 37,878,809

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

2,093,491 964,588 7,844,396 14,074,983 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 51,710,678 8,442,462 55,590,223 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 1,042,878 220,562 10,462,916 - -

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0.055

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
127

Utah

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure UT-2. Sources of Utah Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

65%

21%

13%

1%

NE

IA

MN

Others

Figure UT-1. Sources of Utah Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

34%

26%

12%

9%

8%

6%

5%

NE

ID

CO

KS

MT

WY

Others

Utah ranks 40th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 12.1 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, wheat comprised 52 

percent of Utah grain crops, corn 27 percent, 

barley 19 percent, and oats 3 percent.

Nationally, Utah is ranked 35th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 1.8 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

In the crop marketing years 2001–2004, 

railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 31.9 

percent, which dropped to an average of 

19.3 percent in the period 2007–2010.

Utah received a total of 2.9 million tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, up 67.9 percent from 1.8 million tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure UT-1)

Utah received a total of 1.4 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 26.3 percent from 

1.9 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure UT-2)
128

Table UT-1. Utah Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 3.23 mbu - 6.24 mbu 12.11 mbu 1,806,772

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 2,943,406 - 1,394,796 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
129

Vermont

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table VT-1. Vermont Summary Table, 2006-2010

Nationally, Vermont is ranked 40th in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 801,000 

GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

Vermont received a total of 265,000 tons of 

corn by rail during the 2006–2010 marketing 

years, down 24 percent from 349,000 tons 

during the 1996–2000 marketing years. 

(Figure VT-1)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production - - - - 801,288

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 265,216 - - - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

34%

23%

13%

10%

8%

4% 8%

MA

MI

IL

NY

MN

OH

Figure VT-1. Sources of Vermont Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
130

Virginia

Virginia ranks 30th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 73.1 million 

bushels (mbu). 

From 2006 to 2010, corn comprised 48 

percent of Virginia grain crops, soybeans 23 

percent, wheat 17 percent, barley 4 percent, 

cottonseeds 4 percent, and peanuts 

3 percent. 

Nationally, Virginia is ranked 22nd in animal 

and poultry production, averaging 5.7 

million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an 

average of 1.6 million metric tons of grain 

and oilseeds were inspected for export 

from Virginia.

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 4.8 percent 

during the crop marketing years from 2007 

to 2010, a decrease from the average of 10 

percent during the period 2001–2004.

Virginia received a total of 5.7 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, down 8.1 percent from 

6.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure VA-1)

Virginia received a total of 2.9 million tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 424 percent from 

548,000 tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure VA-2)

46%

26%

12%

10%

6%

OH

IN

MI

IL

Others

Figure VA-1. Sources of Virginia Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

52%

17%

10%

8%

4%

9%

OH

MI

NJ

MD

IN

Others

Figure VA-2. Sources of Virginia Rail Soybean Receipts, 

2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
131

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Table VA-1. Virginia Summary Table, 2006-2010

Figure VA-3. Sources of Virginia Rail Wheat Receipts, 

2006–2010

Virginia received a total of 3.8 million tons 

of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 31.8 percent from 

2.9 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure VA-3)

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 35.39 mbu 16.70 mbu 12.78 mbu 73.05 mbu 5,656,910

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

499,822 549,267 514,597 1,587,234 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 5,708,738 2,872,886 3,834,496 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) - - - - -

68%

13%

5%

14%

IL

OH

VA

Others

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
132

Washington

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Washington ranks 24th among the grain 

and oilseed producing States, with a 2006–

2010 average yearly production of 162.6 

million bushels (mbu). 

In the years 2006–2010, wheat comprised 81 

percent of Washington grain crops, corn 13 

percent, and barley 6 percent.

Nationally, Washington is ranked 29th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

3.4 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an 

average of 23.9 million metric tons of grain 

and oilseeds were inspected for export 

from Washington.

During the crop marketing years from 2001 

to 2004, railroad originations of grain and 

oilseeds averaged a market share of 31 

percent, later rising to an average of 35.6 

percent in the period from 2007 to 2010.

During the period 2006–2010, Washington 

shipped 137,000 tons of corn by rail, up 

60.4 percent from 86,000 tons from 1996 to 

2000. (Figure WA-1)

Washington received a total of 66.8 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 42 percent from 

47 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure WA-2)

92%

8%

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Figure WA-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Washington Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

51%

22%

16% 8% 3%

MN

SD

ND

NE

Others

Figure WA-2. Sources of Washington Rail Corn 

Receipts, 2006–2010
133

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Washington received a total of 55.8 million 

tons of soybeans by rail during the 2006–

2010 marketing years, up 665 percent from 

7.3 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure WA-3)

In the years 2006–2010, 7.4 million tons 

of wheat were shipped by rail from 

Washington, a 47.1-percent increase from 

5 million tons from 1996 to 2000. (Figure 

WA-4)

Washington received a total of 27.6 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 36.7 percent from 

20.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure WA-5)

Seven percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Washington from 2006 to 

2010 were 1–5 cars in size, 35 percent were 

6–49 cars, and the remaining 58 percent of 

shipments were 75 cars or greater. (Figure 

WA-6)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Washington were 3.6 cents 

per ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates 

ranged from 2.92 cents per ton-mile in 2003 

to 4.67 cents in 2010. Rates increased 51 

percent from 2005 to 2010. (Figure WA-7)

33%

28%

23%

14%

2%

ND

MN

SD

NE

Others

Figure WA-3. Sources of Washington Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

91%

7% 2%

Portland-Salem, OR-WA

Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA

Others

Figure WA-4. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Washington Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples
134

Figure WA-7. Average Washington Rail Tariff Rates

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

47%

21%

18%

14%

MT

ND

WA

Others

Figure WA-5. Sources of Washington Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

7%

35%

58%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure WA-6. Washington Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in
135

Table WA-1. Washington Summary Table, 2006-2010

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 21.31 mbu - 131.03 mbu 162.64 mbu 3,425,626

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

9,736,423 8,409,814 5,536,123 23,874,512 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 66,781,322 55,791,700 27,564,503 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 137,272 - 7,381,341 - -

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
136

Wisconsin

Wisconsin ranks 12th among the grain and 

oilseed producing States, with a 2006–2010 

average yearly production of 536.5 million 

bushels (mbu). 

On average, in the years 2006–2010 corn 

comprised 82 percent of Wisconsin grain 

crops, soybeans 12 percent, wheat 4 

percent, and oats 2 percent.

Nationally, Wisconsin is ranked 16th in 

animal and poultry production, averaging 

11 million GCAUs from 2006 to 2010. 

For each year from 2006 to 2010, an 

average of 1.8 million metric tons of grain 

and oilseeds were inspected for export 

from Wisconsin.

Railroad originations of grain and oilseeds 

had an average market share of 21.6 percent 

during the crop marketing years from 2007 

to 2010, an increase from 2001 to 2004 

average of 14.6 percent.

During the period 2006–2010, Wisconsin 

shipped 6.5 million tons of corn by rail, up 

147.6 percent from 2.7 million tons from 

1996 to 2000. (Figure WI-1)

Wisconsin received a total of 4 million 

tons of corn by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 48.1 percent from 

2.7 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure WI-2)

70%

15% 7% 3%

5%

Chicago--Gary--Kenosha, IL--IN--WI

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI-IA

Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, TX

Appleton--Oshkosh--Neenah, WI

Others

Figure WI-1. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Wisconsin Corn by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

91%

5%

4%

WI

MN

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure WI-2. Sources of Wisconsin Rail Corn Receipts, 

2006–2010
137

From 2006 to 2010, Wisconsin shipped 1.6 

million tons of soybeans by rail, up 122 

percent from 707,000 tons shipped in the 

period 1996–2000. (Figure WI-3)

Wisconsin received a total of 120,000 tons 

of soybeans by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years. (Figure WI-4)

In the years 2006–2010, 3.8 million tons of 

wheat were shipped by rail from Wisconsin, 

a 35.4 percent increase from 2.8 million tons 

from 1996 to 2000. (Figure WI-5)

Wisconsin received a total of 13.1 million 

tons of wheat by rail during the 2006–2010 

marketing years, up 28.6 percent from 

10.2 million tons during the 1996–2000 

marketing years. (Figure WI-6)

Ten percent of the grain car shipments 

originating in Wisconsin from 2006 to 2010 

were 1–5 cars in size, 72 percent were 6–49 

cars, 12 percent were 50–74 cars, and the 

remaining 6 percent of shipments were 75 

cars or greater. (Figure WI-7)

Average tariff rail rates for shipments 

originating in Wisconsin were 5.2 cents per 

ton-mile from 2006 to 2010. Rates ranged 

from 2.90 cents per ton-mile in 1997 to 6.58 

cents in 2010. Rates increased 62 percent 

from 2005 to 2010. (Figure WI-8)

49%

26%

10%

4%

11%

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

New Orleans, LA-MS

St. Louis, MO-IL

Milwaukee-Racine, WI

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

Figure WI-4. Sources of Wisconsin Rail Soybean 

Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure WI-3. Business Economic Areas Receiving 

Wisconsin Soybeans by Rail, 2006–2010

55%

25%

17% 3%

WI

ND

MN

IL
138

Figure WI-5. Business Economic Areas Receiving Wisconsin Wheat by Rail, 2006–2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board 

Confidential Waybill Samples

Figure WI-6. Sources of Wisconsin Rail 

Wheat Receipts, 2006–2010

Figure WI-7. Wisconsin Grain Originations by 

Shipment Size

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential 

Waybill Samples

52%

8%

8%

6%

5%

21%

Chicago-Gary-Kenosha, IL-IN-WI

New Orleans, LA-MS

St. Louis, MO-IL

New York-No. New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT-PA-MA-VT

Milwaukee-Racine, WI

Others

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

68%

17%

9%

6%

ND

MN

SD

Others

10%

72%

12%

6%

1 to 5 cars

6 to 49 cars

50 to 74 cars

75+ cars
139

Figure WI-8. Average Wisconsin Rail Tariff Rates

Table WI-1. Wisconsin Summary Table, 2006-2010

Source: USDA analysis of Surface Transportation Board Confidential Waybill Samples

Corn Soybeans Wheat Total Grain and 

Oilseeds GCAUs*

Average Yearly 

Production 437.65 mbu 66.16 mbu 19.22 mbu 536.54 mbu 10,977,401

Average Yearly Export 

Inspections 

(metric tons)

271,013 182,549 1,254,630 1,771,111 -

Total Rail Receipts 

(tons) 3,996,276 - 13,049,929 - -

Total Rail Shipments 

(tons) 6,525,376 1,568,461 3,837,593 - -

0.025

0.035

0.045

0.055

0.065

0.075

1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Dollars per tonmile

Market Year ending in

* Grain Consuming Animal Units
140