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U.S. Grain Transportation Network Needs System Perspective To Meet Future World Needs

CED-81-59 Published: Apr 08, 1981. Publicly Released: May 08, 1981.
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Highlights

GAO examined the grain transportation system. It identified actual and potential bottlenecks, explained their significance, and explored the status of activities addressing them. The grain transportation system in the United States is complex and interrelated and involves railroads, waterways, roads, and ports. Changes and events in one area affect all others, straining their ability to perform efficiently.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should review the level of resources available for focusing in on the overall transportation system for the purpose of determining what adjustments are warranted.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should (1) examine the impact of a changing railroad role in grain movement on alternative modes of transportation and export facilities; (2) explore the relationship of grain shipments via the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes and the capability of the Welland Canal to accommodate projected Great Lakes grain shipments and suggest actions that could be taken to improve movement through the canal; and (3) determine the impact of port congestion and inefficiencies on the entire grain transportation system and help involved parties find solutions to improve overall system effectiveness.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of Agriculture The Secretary of Agriculture should (1) expand the monitoring of the grain transportation system to identify potential bottlenecks and analyze their impact on the total grain transportation system; and (2) bring together industry, labor, and Government to explore the best way to alleviate present bottlenecks and forestall future ones.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

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Topics

Commodity marketingExportingGrain and grain productsHighway planningInland waterwaysMarine transportationMotor carriersRailroad transportation operationsRural roadsTransportation terminalsWater transportationRail vehicles