Grain Transportation Report, February 5, 2026

Barge Volumes Decline Sharply After Last Week's Winter Storm.For the week ending January 31, 71,300 tons of grain passed through Lock and Dam 27-the southernmost lock on the Mississippi River (Grain Transportation Report (GTR) fig.12).This total is down 75 percent from the same week last year, and marks the lowest weekly total since September 2023.The sharp decline in barge volumes reflects the impacts of ice accumulation on the Mississippi River System (MRS) (GTR, January 29, 2026, first highlight).One barge operator, American Commercial Barge Line, is reporting minimal barge operations on the Illinois River.Operating conditions are expected to improve in the coming weeks as rising temperatures in the region melt ice accumulation.Logistical challenges on the MRS have led to increased barge rates (GTR table 9).For example, the current southbound barge rate from St. Louis, MO, is $24.66 (per ton).This rate is up 55 percent from the same week last year and up 57 percent from the 3-year average. STB Requests More Information on Planned Eagle Pass Short Line.On January 30, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) directed Green Eagle Railroad (GER) to provide more information on its planned construction of a new short line railroad and bridge at the Eagle Pass, TX, border crossing (GTR, December 21, 2023, second highlight).STB's request comes after Union Pacific Railroad (the current rail operator at the Eagle Pass border crossing) asked STB to deny GER's request for an exemption from rail construction licensing requirements (GTR, August 28, 2025, fourth highlight).Specifically, STB has directed GER to evaluate the impact to rail shippers if all rail traffic currently crossing the border at Eagle Pass shifts to GER.The agency also requests more details on GER's proposed line in Mexico and an update on the status of negotiations with UP and BNSF Railway (BNSF).Finally, GER is asked to explain how it plans to attract all cross-border traffic and whether construction would begin without interchange commitments with UP and BNSF.STB also welcomes comments from BNSF and UP.These briefings are due to STB by February 13. Ocean rates U.S. Gulf PNW SpreadYear 2025 $50.83 $28.09 $22.74Change from Year 2024 -11.0%-9.7% -12.6%Change from 4-year average -18.0%-18.3% -17.