Grain Transportation in the North Central Region: An Economic Analysis

Excerpts from the report: The movement of grain to markets and mills by motortruck and water has been steadily increasing. Historically, the marketing of grain has been by railroad and the growth of the new methods, accompanied by the development of new merchandising practices and patterns of flow, are of concern to many merchandisers and users of grain. This study is an analysis of grain transportation data published in Statistical Bulletin No. 268, "Grain Transportation Statistics for the North Central Region," covering grain transportation in calendar year 1958. This information is supplemented by statistical data published by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, grain exchanges, port authorities, and boards of trade, and by grain movement information developed and published by the several colleges in the North Central Region, as well as other statistical data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Using this information, the study analyzes the movement of Government and nongovernment corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, and sorghums by mode of transport from country elevators in the North Central Region to markets of first destination, both within and outside the North Central Region, and from terminal elevators in the North Central Region by mode of transport. The possible influences of changing production patterns and domestic and export demand for grain, available transportation facilities and equipment, and carrier rates and services on the transportation of grain are analyzed to provide a composite and comprehensive picture of just what is taking place and where it is taking place.