Freight Ton-Miles, Thirteen Railroads for United States
A0303GUSA253NNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
25.27
Year-over-Year Change
136.61%
Date Range
1/1/1865 - 1/1/1890
Summary
The Freight Ton-Miles metric measures the total volume of freight transported by thirteen major U.S. railroads. This key indicator provides insight into the overall health and activity of the freight rail industry.
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
Freight Ton-Miles tracks the total tonnage of freight transported by rail multiplied by the distance traveled. This metric offers an important gauge of freight rail demand and is closely monitored by economists and policymakers for its implications on trade, logistics, and the broader economy.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Federal Reserve from monthly reports submitted by the thirteen largest freight railroads.
Historical Context
Freight Ton-Miles is a crucial input for analysis of transportation infrastructure, industrial production, and macroeconomic trends.
Key Facts
- Freight rail carries over 40% of U.S. intercity freight by ton-miles.
- Freight Ton-Miles declined during the 2008-2009 recession but has since recovered.
- The U.S. freight rail network spans over 140,000 miles of track.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: Freight Ton-Miles measures the total volume of freight transported by the thirteen largest U.S. freight railroads, calculated as the tonnage of freight multiplied by the distance traveled.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Freight Ton-Miles is a key indicator of freight rail industry activity and a leading gauge of broader economic trends related to trade, logistics, and industrial production.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected directly from monthly reports submitted by the thirteen largest U.S. freight railroads to the Federal Reserve.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Freight Ton-Miles is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and industry analysts to assess the health of the freight transportation system and broader macroeconomic conditions.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Freight Ton-Miles data is released by the Federal Reserve with a typical 1-2 month lag from the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Freight Ton-Miles, Thirteen Railroads for United States (A0303GUSA253NNBR), retrieved from FRED.