US, Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic: Weekly Freight Insights

Introduction

For the week ending October 25, freight-rail traffic in the United States totaled 499,688 carloads and intermodal units, reflecting a 3.8% decrease compared to the corresponding week in 2024.

U.S. Rail Traffic Overview

U.S. railroads transported 226,748 carloads during the week, marking a 0.9% decrease. Intermodal volume reached 272,940 containers and trailers, a decline of 6.1%.

Commodity Performance

Among the ten carload commodities monitored weekly, five experienced traffic increases. Metallic ores and metals saw an 8.1% rise to 19,559 carloads. Nonmetallic minerals increased by 2.6% to 32,940 carloads, while miscellaneous carloads rose 6.9% to 9,056.

Commodity groups that saw decreases included motor vehicles and parts, down 11.5% to 14,556 carloads; coal, down 2.4% to 58,652; and grain, down 4.7% to 23,031.

Canadian Rail Traffic

Canadian railroads reported 92,109 carloads for the week, a decrease of 5.3%. Intermodal units totaled 71,508, reflecting a 0.2% decrease.

Mexican Rail Traffic

Mexican railroads transported 12,393 carloads for the week, up 14.7%. Intermodal units totaled 14,843, a 33% increase.

Conclusion

During the week ending October 25, the U.S. freight-rail traffic saw a decrease of 3.8% compared to the same week in 2024. Canadian rail traffic decreased, while Mexican rail traffic increased.