Despite some railcar shortages in Northern Plains states in recent months, there have been few delays in transporting US grain bound for export markets, the US Agriculture Department said on Monday.
A record US grain crop and increased exports have meant higher demand for US rail cars throughout grain and soybean producing regions.
"The relevant data indicates that the impact on US grain exports has been minimal," the USDA said.
US wheat exports are forecast at 32 million tonnes, up from 23 million tonnes last year. Corn exports are expected to reach 51 million tonnes, compared to last year's 41.2 million tonnes, according to the USDA.
Railcar deliveries to US seaports in 2003 were 18 percent higher than 2002, while 2004 year-to-date deliveries are about 24 percent above the same time in 2003, the USDA said.
During the fourth quarter of 2003, railroads carried 6.6 percent more grain carloads than in 2002. During the final four weeks of 2003, rail cars carried 11.7 percent more.
A rail car shortage has occurred in Northern Plains states, partly because of the region's dependence on smaller elevators, which use 54- and 26-car trains, the USDA said. However, rail shipments from the Northern Plains to the Pacific Northwest are still up 31 percent from last year, it added.