Rail Strike Impact Could Begin as Early as Today

Grain shipments this week could abruptly stop starting Wednesday – two days ahead of a possible rail strike. No deal has been struck yet between rail carriers and unions, despite urging from the Biden administration to reach an agreement before harvest season is impeded by lack of rail transportation.

However, the nation’s two largest rail unions remain at odds with the railroads, leading many to feel a stoppage is inevitable. The early stoppage announcement comes as rail carriers try to limit their liability by not allowing their carts to stop in areas where they could be vulnerable to damage during the strike.

A stoppage will impact basis levels for farmers and create a more complicated backlog amidst an already struggling supply chain system.

Read more on the likelihood of a rail strike this week here.