Frequently Asked Questions

Does EIA have data on the movement of crude oil and ethanol by rail and truck?

EIA has published several articles on the volumes of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and ethanol transported by railroads and trucks within the United States; see Learn more section below. However, we do not publish this data on a regular basis.

We are aware that there are increasing volumes of crude oil being moved by rail. Increases in crude oil production in North Dakota, Texas, and other states, have exceeded the capacity of existing pipelines to move oil from these areas to refineries in other areas of the country. Large volumes of crude oil inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma can also be attributed to the over capacity issue. Ethanol is mainly transported by rail from ethanol producing facilities to blending and export terminals.

The petroleum and ethanol movement data we currently collect only includes volumes moved by pipeline, tanker (ship), and barge. We have no plans at this time to expand this data collection to include rail and highway transport. EIA is not aware of another Government source that publishes these data.

Learn more:

Rail deliveries of oil and petroleum products up 38% in first half of 2012

Rail delivery of crude oil and petroleum products rising

The Latest Twist in Oil Price Patterns

Crude oil movements from Midwest to Gulf Coast on the rise

Shifting Crude Oil Movements in the Mid-Continent

Cushing inventories: taking a deeper look

Market response to the WTI-Brent spread is constrained by logistical challenges

Last updated: January 31, 2013