U.S., Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic: Weekly Freight Insights & Trends

Introduction

In the week ending November 15, U.S. freight railroads reported a 4.5% decrease in carloads and intermodal units, totaling 493,880. This data reflects a comparison to the same week in 2024.

U.S. Rail Traffic Overview

U.S. freight railroads handled a total of 493,880 carloads and intermodal units during the week ending November 15. This represents a 4.5% decrease compared to the corresponding week in 2024. Carloads decreased by 0.2% to 223,101, while intermodal units declined by 7.7%, reaching 270,779 containers and trailers.

Commodity Group Performance

Out of the ten carload commodity groups, four experienced an increase compared to the same week last year. Nonmetallic minerals saw a rise of 10.2%, with 32,472 carloads. Grain increased by 8.5% to 25,612 carloads, and miscellaneous commodities were up 15.3%, totaling 9,041 carloads.

Conversely, several commodity groups reported decreases. Motor vehicles and parts decreased by 14% to 13,509 carloads. Coal saw a 2.5% decrease, with 56,247 carloads, while petroleum and petroleum products declined by 11.3%, resulting in 10,309 carloads.

Canadian and Mexican Rail Traffic

Canadian railroads transported 92,178 carloads, marking a 3% decrease, and 67,613 intermodal units, reflecting a 65.6% increase. Mexican railroads carried 13,469 carloads, a 4% increase, and 15,689 intermodal units, up 22.3%.

Conclusion

During the week ending November 15, U.S. freight railroads experienced a 4.5% decrease in combined carloads and intermodal units. While some commodity groups showed growth, overall traffic volume declined. Canadian and Mexican railroads reported varying results in carload and intermodal unit movements during the same period.