US, Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic: AAR Data & Insights

Introduction

In the week ending Sept. 20, U.S. freight railroads moved 510,677 carloads and intermodal units, representing a 2.2% decrease compared to the same week last year, according to data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Traffic Volume Overview

For the week, carloads totaled 228,609, marking a 1.8% decrease. Intermodal volume reached 282,068 containers and trailers, reflecting a 2.5% decline.

Commodity Group Performance

The AAR tracks ten carload commodity groups weekly. Two of these groups experienced increases: grain, which rose by 10.3% to 23,147 carloads; and metallic ores and metals, which increased by 1.9% to 20,358 carloads.

Conversely, several commodity groups saw decreases. These included coal, down 4.9% to 60,029 carloads; miscellaneous, down 16% to 8,634; and nonmetallic minerals, down 2.3% to 31,402.

Canadian and Mexican Rail Traffic

Canadian railroads reported 89,916 carloads for the week, indicating a 2.8% decrease, and 72,704 intermodal units, reflecting a 4.2% increase. Mexican railroads recorded 11,954 carloads, a 13.1% decrease, and 12,006 intermodal units, down 0.2%.

Conclusion

In summary, U.S. freight rail traffic for the week ending Sept. 20 showed a decrease in overall carloads and intermodal units. Canadian and Mexican railroads also reported mixed results in their respective traffic volumes.

Company Summary

Association of American Railroads (AAR): The AAR is an industry trade group that represents the interests of freight railroads in North America. It collects and publishes data on rail traffic, among other activities.