DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains) by Rail
The co-product of ethanol production — what's left of the corn after fermentation. A protein feed that moves from ethanol plants to feedlots, dairies and export.
| Railcar | Covered hopper (5,200+ cu ft) |
| Typical net load | 95–105 tons per car |
| Bulk density | ~28–34 lb/cu ft |
| Loading constraint | Cubes out (volume-limited) |
| STCC | 20421 — look up related codes in the STCC Finder |
What it's used for
Cattle, dairy, poultry and swine feed rations; export (Mexico is the largest buyer).
How it moves
Lighter than whole grain, so it wants the larger-cube hopper. Steady year-round flow from Corn Belt ethanol plants; Mexico-bound unit trains are common.
By the numbers: state rail plan figures
How much of this commodity group moves by rail, as published in the states' own federally mandated rail plans:
Statewide rail tonnage
- Washington: 5.9 million tons of animal feed moved by rail to, from, within and through the state in 2016 (Washington State Rail Plan 2019, p. 144).
Single-direction figures
These count movement in one direction only — originated, inbound or outbound as each plan defines it — so they are not comparable with the statewide totals above.
- South Dakota: 1.2 million tons of distillers mash moved by rail outbound from the state in 2019 (South Dakota State Rail Plan 2022, p. 111).
Each figure is quoted from the cited state rail plan and reflects that plan's own data year, commodity grouping and methodology — figures from different plans are not directly comparable with each other. Some plans count traffic passing through the state and others exclude it; each line says which.
Where it flows
Key origins and gateways for ddgs (distillers dried grains) on the Commodity Flow Map:
- Midwest Corn Belt (Grain / Steel / Autos) — Midwest Corn Belt, IA (NS)
- Northern Plains (Grain / Bakken Crude) — Northern Plains, ND (BNSF, NS)
- Vancouver BC (Canadian Grain & Potash Export) — Vancouver BC, BC (CN, CP)
- Omaha (UP HQ / Bakken Grain Yard) — Omaha, NE (UP, BNSF)
- Wichita (Grain & Aerospace) — Wichita, KS (BNSF, UP)
- Sioux Falls (Northern Plains Grain) — Sioux Falls, SD (BNSF, CPKC)
- Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul Grain Hub) — Minneapolis, MN (BNSF, CPKC, UP, CN)
- Milwaukee (Grain & Beverage Hub) — Milwaukee, WI (CPKC, CN, UP)
Common questions
Can ddgs (distillers dried grains) be shipped by rail?
Yes. DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains) moves regularly on the North American rail network in covered hoppers. Lighter than whole grain, so it wants the larger-cube hopper.
How many tons of ddgs (distillers dried grains) fit in a railcar?
A typical load is 95–105 net tons per car — the car fills up (cubes out) before it reaches its weight limit.
What railcar does ddgs (distillers dried grains) move in?
Covered hopper (5,200+ cu ft). Because the commodity is light for its volume, shippers prefer the largest cubic capacity available.
What is the bulk density of ddgs (distillers dried grains)?
Roughly 28–34 lb per cubic foot, depending on grade and condition.
Related tools
- Railcar Capacity Guide — loads and cubic capacities by car type
- Railcar Selector — match a commodity to the right equipment
- Rail vs Truck Calculator — where rail wins on your lane
- Transload Directory — 2,400+ transfer facilities
Shipping ddgs (distillers dried grains) by rail?
Run your lane through the Rail Rate Quote tool for an indicative estimate (the commodity is pre-selected for you), compare modes with Rail vs Truck, or find transfer points in the Transload Directory. We do not guarantee rates — we will talk through your lane before quoting.
Figures on this page are typical industry ranges for reference — actual loads depend on the specific car, commodity grade and railroad rules. Rate estimates are indicative only; Steel Wheel Logistics does not issue binding quotes from this page.