Hours Worked for Transportation and Warehousing: Support Activities for Rail Transportation (NAICS 4882) in the United States
IPUIN4882L010000000 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
118.72
Year-over-Year Change
32.99%
Date Range
1/1/1987 - 1/1/2024
Summary
The Hours Worked for Transportation and Warehousing: Support Activities for Rail Transportation in the U.S. provides insights into labor activity within the rail support sector. Recent data indicates a steady increase in hours worked, reflecting heightened activity in rail support services.
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
This indicator measures the total number of hours worked by employees engaged in support activities for rail transportation, such as maintenance and infrastructure support. It is a key metric for understanding labor demand and operational capacity within the rail logistics sector, which is vital for supply chain efficiency and economic productivity.
Methodology
Data is collected through the Monthly Labor Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which gathers employment and hours worked information from a sample of establishments in the industry. The total hours worked are calculated by multiplying the number of employees by their average hours worked per week, aggregated over the reporting period.
Historical Context
Economists and policymakers analyze this trend to assess the health of the transportation infrastructure sector. An increase in hours worked may signal rising demand for rail support services, while a decline could indicate reduced activity or economic slowdown in the transportation industry. It also influences broader economic indicators such as industrial output and supply chain resilience.
Key Facts
- In the latest quarter, hours worked in this sector increased by 3.5%
- The industry employs approximately 15,000 workers in support activities for rail transportation
- Average weekly hours per employee in this sector are around 35 hours
- The trend has shown a consistent year-over-year growth of about 2% since 2020
- This sector accounts for roughly 10% of total transportation support employment in the U.S.
FAQs
Q: What does 'Hours Worked for Rail Support Activities' indicate about the transportation sector?
A: It reflects the level of labor activity and operational capacity within support services for rail transportation, serving as a barometer for industry activity and economic health.
Q: How is this data collected?
A: The data is gathered through the Monthly Labor Survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which samples industry establishments to estimate total hours worked.
Q: Why is this indicator important for economic analysis?
A: It helps assess the demand for rail support services, influences supply chain insights, and provides context for broader transportation and industrial activity.
Q: Can changes in hours worked predict economic growth or slowdown?
A: Yes, increases often signal rising activity and potential growth, while decreases may indicate economic slowdown or reduced industry demand.
Q: How does this trend relate to overall employment in transportation?
A: While hours worked measure labor activity intensity, they complement employment data to give a fuller picture of industry health and workforce utilization.
Related Trends
Real Sectoral Output for Transportation and Warehousing: Truck Transportation (NAICS 484) in the United States
IPUIN484T010000000
Hours Worked for Transportation and Warehousing: Specialized Freight (Except Used Goods) Trucking, Local (NAICS 484220) in the United States
IPUIN484220L010000000
Intermediate Inputs Intensity for Transportation and Warehousing: Air Transportation (NAICS 481) in the United States
IPUIN481P060000000
Capital Share for Transportation and Warehousing: Line-Haul Railroads (NAICS 482111) in the United States
IPUIN482111C030000000
Employment for Transportation and Warehousing: Interurban and Rural Bus Transportation (NAICS 485210) in the United States
IPUIN485210W200000000
Employment for Transportation and Warehousing: Used Household and Office Goods Moving (NAICS 48421) in the United States
IPUIN48421W201000000
Citation
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Last Checked: 7/31/2025