Origin and Export Basis Interdependencies in Soybeans: A Panel Data Analysis

Forward pricing and allocation mechanisms for rail transportation serve critical functions for the grain-marketing system. We examine the effects of shipping costs on the origin and export basis using a panel simultaneous-equations model. Results indicate that the origin and export basis are determined simultaneously with each one affected by the dynamic variability of shipping costs. On average, a dollar increase for the shipping costs decreases the origin basis by 19 cents and increases the export basis by 82 cents per bushel of soybeans. The interaction between shipping cost and exports on the export basis impacts both marketing and trading strategies in the grain-marketing system.