Wood Crosstie Procurement Trends

Railway Tie Association (RTA) Procurement Trends Dashboard below represents the monthly opinions of "in-the field" wood tie buyers who procure untreated crossties from sawmills in their specific regions. The data is submitted to RTA within the first two weeks of the month following the reporting period covered. The output is in two forms - monthly and a 12-month running view (which started in July 2016). You can choose individual regions or grouped regions from the dropdown menus above for both the monthly and trend data. All the charts on the page will change based on your dropdown selections.

Since the information provided represents a snapshot-in-time-opinion of individuals, each working for a variety of tie procurement companies, RTA does not warrant nor accept responsibility for the accuracy of the data generated. For questions or feedback please email us.

1. Compared to last month, the quantity of logs on hand at mill yards is:

2. Today's log availability is:

3. The 6-12 outlook for log availability is:

4. Compared to last month, the overall demand for competitive products in your territory is:

5. In your territory, what is the current demand for:

Pallet Lumber

Paper (Chips

Lumber (#2 & #3)

Export

Board/Mat Timbers

6. What is your current view of overall hardwood sawmill production?

7. What is your current view of overall crosstie sawmill products?

Current

Future

8. What is your view of crosstie competitive position relative to other hardwood products?

9. Regarding your above answer, please provide context for market, weather or other conditions.

Kentucky, Tennessee: The price is balanced if you can get an order. Many mills are not able to find a market for their ties in this area due to decreased orders from the railroads.

E Texas, NW Louisiana: Well lets see diesel fuel has went through the roof , the mills can get rid of pallet cants but at a reduced price, chips dust and fuel is moving but not a good price . Its dry to say the least so logs are moving with the mills trying to get log price down .