Ethanol, the grain-based renewable fuel ingredient, is a growing industry in the United States. In 2002, there were 62 plants in the U.S. with a production capacity of 2,347 million gallons per year. By January 2012, there were 209 plants in 29 states, with a production capacity of 14,907 million gallons per year.
A major portion of the ethanol industry's daily operations include interfacing with and transportation of grain via the railroads. Successful ethanol producers recognize that to keep their operations running smoothly, they must maintain their facilities, rail cars and tracks along with their own silos, grain bins and other storage facilities.