
The USDA AMS Grain Transportation Report released November 5, 2026, shows falling barge and rail rates along with record fuel surcharges and weak wheat export inspections. Canadian National cut its Gibson City and Ida Grove corn and soybean rates by $275 per car this month, and the barge rate from Havana to Hardin to New Orleans was $33.59 per ton.
The Sisseton Milbank Railroad also plans to discontinue service pending Surface Transportation Board approval.
Lower barge and rail rates improve the competitiveness of Midwest origins for Gulf exports, which supports basis and export demand for corn and soybeans. Weak wheat inspections point to soft US wheat export demand.
Not enough comparable past events yet for a historical read.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.