Revenue Tons of Freight Carried One Mile, All Railroads for United States
A0303EUSA253NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
258.60
Year-over-Year Change
103.62%
Date Range
1/1/1882 - 1/1/1911
Summary
This economic trend measures the total revenue tons of freight carried one mile by all U.S. railroads. It provides insight into the volume and efficiency of the national freight rail network.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The revenue tons of freight carried one mile is a key indicator of railroad transportation activity and economic health. It reflects the total tonnage of revenue-generating freight transported by rail across the country.
Methodology
The data is collected and published monthly by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration.
Historical Context
This trend is closely watched by policymakers, economists, and transportation analysts to assess the state of the freight rail industry and broader economic conditions.
Key Facts
- U.S. railroads carried over 1.7 trillion revenue tons of freight in 2021.
- Freight rail accounts for over 40% of total U.S. freight transportation.
- Declines in this metric often signal broader economic slowdowns.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This trend measures the total revenue tons of freight, including both bulk commodities and manufactured goods, carried one mile by all U.S. railroads.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides insight into the health and efficiency of the U.S. freight rail network, which is a crucial component of the broader transportation and logistics system. It is widely used by policymakers, economists, and industry analysts to assess economic conditions.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected and published monthly by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration based on reports from individual railroad companies.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and economists closely monitor this trend to gauge the strength of the economy and make informed decisions about infrastructure investment, regulatory policies, and other economic measures.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published with a 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to revisions. Additionally, this metric only captures freight transported by rail and does not include other modes of transportation.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Revenue Tons of Freight Carried One Mile, All Railroads for United States (A0303EUSA253NNBR), retrieved from FRED.