The JOC reports that the recent energy boom has meant grain handlers are facing stiff competition for rail service with the crude oil sector.
Excerpts from the Journal of Commerce:
Steenhoek could think of a few factors contributing to improved rail service.
In the first place, he said, 2014 saw a longer harvest, giving railroads more time to adjust to the volumes being produced. Weather was also much more favorable and harvest volumes were not nearly as large as last year’s.
Another factor that may have had some influence on the improved service, Steenhoek said, is recent low grain prices, which have compelled many farmers to store produce, especially corn crops, and wait for prices to rebound before shipping their goods.