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In terms of value, motor vehicles were the second most valuable commodity shipped in the United States in 2015, behind electronics. In terms of tonnage, bulk commodities such as natural gas and gravel were highest. Other transportation-related products among the top ten commodities shipped were gasoline (fifth in value, third in tonnage) and crude petroleum (eighth in tonnage). Also, vehicle manufacturing uses commodities that fall in the top ten in terms of value, such as electronics, machinery, and miscellaneous manufacturing products.
Top Ten Commodities Shipped in the United States in Terms of Value and Weight, 2015
Note: LNG = liquefied natural gas. The LNG, coke, and asphalt category includes all coal and petroleum products not elsewhere classified, such as other products of coal and petroleum refining.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2016 Freight Quick Facts Report, Tables 2 and 3.