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.
Virginia: Flooring, Pallet, Poplar, and ties are not moving very good or are on quotas. Mat Timbers are slow as well. Some mills in danger of shutting down.
Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, N Indiana, N Illinois: Weather has been dry and good for logging. More Oak available now due to the end of Oak Wilt season. Some pulp contracts in the Northern part of the area have improved - possibly due to the rail strike in Canada. Good availability of logs, but mills continue to struggle with sales.
Pennsylvania: Most mills have more than enough logs for their low production levels. White Oak / Maple uppers are the only promising note on lumber sales. Mat purchasing has slowed and a small uptick on pallet last month has now reversed back to previous pricing.
New England 1: High log prices and low lumber demand are keeping log inventories in check. Overall hardwood market conditions are still very poor in demand and price. Timber mats demand and softwood lumber demand are almost completely shut off. Loggers on strict quotas.
West Virginia: Still a challenge to keep all species and grades moved and make a profit.