The Soy Transportation Coalition is urging federal authorities to prioritize reducing costs within the agricultural supply chain to support farmers and maintain global competitiveness. Coalition head Mike Steenhoek emphasizes the need for efficiency, noting that officials should focus on “subtraction math” to cut expenses rather than adding new costs that raise the delivered price to customers.
Steenhoek highlights the importance of a reliable and cost-effective supply chain, especially amid ongoing challenges in global markets, including key buyers like China. Higher transportation costs, he says, ultimately burden both farmers and consumers, reducing the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products abroad.
Disruptions in supply chains further exacerbate the problem, as freight still needs to move even when costs rise. Steenhoek stresses that lowering transportation expenses is not just about profit—it’s a crucial step in ensuring U.S. soy remains competitive and accessible in global markets.
