Cash Market Moves

The extreme cold over the next few days, especially in the Upper Midwest, will have a negative effect on trains' ability to move through the system. Heavy snow and ice on the nation's highways will stall truck movement. Heavy ice that forms on rivers, like what we currently see on the Illinois River, will cause tows to stop moving barges.

RIVERS

As ice was building on the Illinois River as far back as mid-December, ice couplings were required by the Corps. Ice couplings on barges, as discussed in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mississippi Valley Division report, are specialized, robust fastening systems used to securely attach barges together in winter, allowing them to remain connected despite ice accumulation on the outside of the hulls. They allow tows to maintain structural integrity in freezing conditions.

"Not much happening today (as far as barge freight trading) and expect it to be a quiet weekend. Boats will likely be held up Sat/Sun and fleets to shut down as the storm moves through," according to the Ceres Barge Line Jan. 23 freight report.

On the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals Inc. website on Jan. 21, reporters noted, "With the relatively moderate temperatures over the last 24 hours, no real changes to speak of other than at Starved Rock where they are experiencing bubbler and heavy ice issues this morning. They are currently conducting ice lockages ahead of every down bound tow for the foreseeable future impacting lockage times." Here is the USACE Inland and Intracoastal Waterways (IWW) Lock Status Update: https://www.irpt.net/….

RAIL

On Jan. 22, the BNSF sent out a service advisory to customers, stating the expected major winter storm and extreme cold would likely impact much of the BNSF network.

"The storm is expected to impact more than two dozen states, affecting most of the BNSF network as it progresses from west to east," the announcement reported. "Forecasts indicate widespread snow accumulations, with 8-15 inches possible across central Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, southern Missouri and western Kentucky, along with areas of sleet and freezing rain. In locations experiencing ice accumulation, hazardous travel conditions and localized power outages are likely. Wind chills well below zero are expected in northern areas, with freezing temperatures extending into the Southern Plains, including parts of Oklahoma and Texas. Cold conditions will persist through the weekend and into early next week."

To support operations in extreme cold conditions, BNSF is adjusting train length and utilizing distributed power where appropriate to maintain consistent air pressure throughout the train. The full BNSF announcement is available here: https://www.bnsf.com/….

CSX also released an announcement to their customers, stating they are monitoring the severe winter storm. "Please be advised that CSX is closely monitoring a severe winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and ice across the Plains to the mid-Atlantic in the coming days. This weather event may impact operations in our Southwest Region, including Evansville, Nashville, Chattanooga, and potentially as far south as Atlanta. Our team is proactively mobilizing resources to respond quickly and minimize any disruptions. To help ensure safety and reduce the risk of local service delays, customers are asked to keep tracks and switches clear of snow and ice," CSX reported.

TRUCKS

Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, told DTN in an email, "Truck driver safety is impacted by severe cold temperatures. Recent windy conditions have resulted in high-profile vehicles -- like semi-trucks -- to get blown over. Snow and ice obviously can result in treacherous conditions and delays."

Steenhoek added, "This is one more reminder of the valuable service those who work in our supply chain provide to agriculture and the broader economy. They deserve our appreciation."

Information on the storms from DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick is available here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Mary Kennedy can be reached at mary.kennedy@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @MaryCKenn

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