Freight and freight capacity

• 54.4 million tons of freight originated in Iowa and 42.2 million tons of freight terminated in the state. (2010)


• Grain, food and chemicals/fertilizers account for 81 percent by weight of the Iowa freight originations. (2009)


• Coal, grain and chemicals/fertilizers comprise79 percent by weight of the Iowa freight terminations. (2009)


• 229 million tons of freight traveled through the state to other destinations. (2010)


• Since 1985, the tons of rail freight originating in Iowa has increased by 160 percent; the tons of rail freight terminating in Iowa has increased by 99 percent; and the tons of rail freight traveling through Iowa has increased by 129 percent. (2010)


• 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 four semi tractor-trailers.


• It would require approximately 515,000 semitractor trailer loads (1,412 per day) to move the same amount of grain originated by Iowa's railroads (more than13.4 million tons) in the year 2009.


• Iowa's rail system moves more freight over fewer miles of track. Between 1985 and 2010, net ton-miles have tripled while rail-miles have fallen. (2010)