Freight and Freight Capacity

• 52.3 million tons of freight originated in Iowa and 43.7 million tons of freight terminated in the state. (2008)
• Grain, food and chemicals/fertilizers account for 80 percent by weight of the Iowa freight originations. (2008)
• Coal, grain, chemicals/fertilizers, and grain comprise79 percent by weight of the Iowa freight terminations. (2008)
• 237 million tons of freight traveled through the state to other destinations. (2008)
• Since 1985, the tons of rail freight originating in Iowa has increased by 159 percent; the tons of rail freight terminating in Iowa has increased by 101 percent; and the tons of rail freight traveling through Iowa has increased by 178 percent. (2008)
• Iowa railroads move goods in 100 to 110-ton cars and in trains that are 100-plus cars long. One covered hopper car is capable of hauling 3,500 - 3,900 bushels of grain, which is equivalent to over four semi tractor-trailers.
• It would require approximately 665,000 semi tractor-trailer loads (1,823 per day) to move the same amount of grain originated by Iowa's railroads (over 17.3 million tons) in the year 2008.
• Iowa's rail system moves more freight over fewer miles of track. Between 1985 and 2008, net ton-miles increased 222 percent while rail miles fell by 16 percent. (2008)