Transportation for U.S. grains — barges, trucks, and railcars — had strong demand in the fourth quarter of 2024, which the USDA attributes to stronger demand for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat. In its weekly Grains Transportation report, the USDA says that winter wheat seen this month is creating slowdown in logistics for grains, but last month all systems were adequate to fulfill demand. “Rail and barge volumes in the fourth quarter were both up from the prior 3-year average,” says the USDA. “Additionally, grain vessel loading activity increased in the U.S. Gulf.” Analysts speculate that U.S. grain export sales will cool in January, with President Trump starting his second term in office will a bevy of tariff threats.