Despite An Economy On-Hold, Rail Grain Shipments Continue

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. freight railway system continues to stay on track despite challenges posed by COVID-19 – meaning U.S. corn and sorghum will keep moving south to one of the most important U.S. export markets, Mexico. According to the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), rail is the primary mode of transportation for many Mexican buyers to receive corn and Reece Cannady, USGC manager of global trade, says “Logistics are moving smoothly. There are no problems currently with the rail system as it is part of the essential enterprise.” Three main railways transport these trains to Mexico – BNSF Railway, Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern Railway. Once a train arrives at the border, each railcar is fumigated and all seals are double-checked. After clearing customs, the train is forwarded onto Mexican rail lines and delivered to a diverse and widely dispersed set of end-users. This process is more consistent than other modes of transportation, meaning end-users know grain will travel from a corn state to the border in just four to five days.