Railroad Freight Ton-Miles, Revenue for United States

M03003USM253SNBR • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

33.10

Year-over-Year Change

34.23%

Date Range

8/1/1866 - 12/1/1922

Summary

The Railroad Freight Ton-Miles, Revenue for United States metric tracks the total revenue-generating ton-miles of freight transported by U.S. railroads. This measure provides insight into the volume and economic activity 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 Railroad Freight Ton-Miles, Revenue statistic represents the total number of revenue-generating ton-miles of freight hauled by Class I U.S. railroads. This metric serves as a key indicator of freight rail demand and can provide insights into broader economic trends and transportation sector health.

Methodology

The data is collected and reported monthly by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration.

Historical Context

Analysts and policymakers monitor this metric to gauge the strength of the freight rail industry and broader economic conditions.

Key Facts

  • Freight rail transported over 1.7 trillion ton-miles of revenue-generating freight in 2021.
  • The freight rail industry employs over 160,000 people in the United States.
  • Railroads account for over 40% of U.S. freight transport by ton-miles.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Railroad Freight Ton-Miles, Revenue metric tracks the total revenue-generating freight volume transported by U.S. Class I railroads, measured in ton-miles.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: This metric provides insight into the demand and economic activity within the freight rail industry, which is a critical component of the U.S. transportation and logistics network.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected and reported monthly by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this metric to gauge the strength of the freight rail industry and broader economic conditions, as it reflects demand for the transportation of goods across the country.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published monthly with a typical lag of 2-3 months.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Railroad Freight Ton-Miles, Revenue for United States (M03003USM253SNBR), retrieved from FRED.