U.S., Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic: August 2025 Trends

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Introduction

In the week ending August 16, U.S. freight railroads transported a total of 512,970 carloads and intermodal units, reflecting a 0.7% decrease compared to the corresponding week last year.

U.S. Rail Traffic Overview

U.S. carloads for the week totaled 228,884, marking a 0.9% decrease. Intermodal units reached 284,086 containers and trailers, experiencing a 0.6% decline. Within the carload commodity groups, only two sectors showed growth. Coal carloads increased by 2.9%, reaching 63,878, and forest products rose by 2.2% to 8,236 carloads. Notable decreases were observed in miscellaneous commodities, down 13.6% to 7,881 carloads; metallic ores and metals, down 4.6% to 19,559 carloads; and grain, which decreased by 3.1% to 20,981 carloads.

Canadian Rail Traffic Data

Canadian railroads reported 79,619 carloads for the week, an 8.1% decrease. Conversely, intermodal units in Canada saw an increase of 3.6%, with a total of 71,459 units.

Mexican Rail Traffic Figures

Mexican railroads reported 11,687 carloads, a decrease of 22.8%. Intermodal units in Mexico totaled 10,123, reflecting a 23.3% decrease.

Year-to-Date Comparison

The report also considers data for the first 33 weeks of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Conclusion

During the week ending August 16, U.S. freight rail traffic decreased by 0.7%, with carloads and intermodal units experiencing mixed results. Canadian and Mexican railroads also reported varying changes in their respective carload and intermodal unit volumes.

Company Summary

U.S. freight railroads: Transported 512,970 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending August 16.

Canadian railroads: Reported 79,619 carloads for the week.

Mexican railroads: Posted 11,687 carloads for the week.

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