Shipments Of Portland And Blended Cement In The United States, By Type Of Carrier

This table presents detailed data on the shipments of Portland and blended cement within the United States, categorized by the type of carrier and shipment method. It breaks down shipments from plants to terminals, plants directly to customers, and terminals to customers, further distinguishing between bulk shipments and those in bags or other packaging. This information is critical for understanding the logistics and distribution patterns of cement, a fundamental material in construction and infrastructure development. By analyzing these shipment flows, industry stakeholders and policymakers can assess transportation efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to support economic growth and supply chain resilience.

The data reveals notable shifts between 2022 and 2023. Total shipments to customers slightly decreased from 108 million metric tons in 2022 to 107 million metric tons in 2023. Shipments by railroad to customers increased significantly, from 3.97 million metric tons in 2022 to 6.69 million metric tons in 2023, indicating a growing reliance on rail transport for cement distribution. Conversely, truck shipments to customers declined from 102 million metric tons to 98.8 million metric tons, though trucks remain the dominant carrier by a wide margin. Bulk shipments from plants to terminals grew from 34.8 million metric tons to 38.4 million metric tons, reflecting increased movement of cement in bulk form at this stage. Barge and boat shipments remained relatively small but showed a slight decrease in total shipments to customers, from 2.11 million metric tons to 1.69 million metric tons. These trends highlight evolving transportation preferences and potential shifts in regional distribution strategies within the cement industry.