AAR's U.S. Rail Freight Traffic Reports
WEEK ENDING 8-7-10: U.S. railroads originated 284,507 carloads for the week ending Aug.7, 2010, up 3.5 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 13 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 231,208 trailers and containers, up 18.6 percent from the same week in 2009, but down 1.2 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 19.8 percent and trailer volume rose 12 percent. Sixteen of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 8-12-10]
WEEK ENDING 7-31-10: For the week ending July 31, 2010, U.S. railroads reported the highest traffic levels of 2010 for both carload and intermodal traffic. U.S. railroads originated 300,292 carloads for the week, up 9.4 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 10.6 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 232,895 trailers and containers, up 20.2 percent from the same week in 2009. Eighteen of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 8-5-10]
WEEK ENDING 7-24-10: Rail traffic continues to maintain a steady pace with U.S. railroads originating 286,854 carloads for the week ending July 24, 2010, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 13.5 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 230,443 trailers and containers, up 19.2 percent from the same week a year ago and down 2.1 percent compared with 2008. Fifteen of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 7-29-10]
WEEK ENDING 7-17-10: Rail traffic continues to reflect the sluggish economy with U.S. railroads originating 282,199 carloads for the week ending July 17, 2010, up 5.5 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 13.8 percent from pre-recession levels in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 227,661 trailers and containers, up 20.1 percent from the same week a year ago and down only 2.5 percent compared with 2008. Eleven of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 7-22-10]
WEEK ENDING 7-10-10: The Association of American Railroads reports a decline in rail traffic for the week ending July 10, 2010, with U.S. railroads originating 252,963 carloads, down 3.5 percent compared with the same week in 2009 and down 20.8 percent from 2008. Weekly intermodal traffic totaled 192,954 trailers and containers, up 9.1 percent from a year ago and down 16.8 percent compared with 2008. Six of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 7-15-10]
WEEK ENDING 7-3-10: Rail traffic for the week ending July 3, 2010, topped comparison weeks from both 2008 and 2009. Carloads were up 18.8 percent, at 286,777 cars, from the comparable week in 2009 and up 0.4 percent from the same week in 2008. Comparison weeks in both 2009 and 2008 included the July 4th holiday. Eighteen of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 7-8-10]
WEEK ENDING 6-26-10: Rail traffic remains steady with U.S. railroads originating 284,716 carloads for the week ending June 26, 2010, up 11.4 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 13.2 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 227,229 trailers and containers, up 20.5 percent from a year ago and down only 1.1 percent compared with 2008. Seventeen of the 19 carload commodity groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 7-1-10]
WEEK ENDING 6-12-10: Intermodal volume on U.S. freight railroads for the week ended June 19, 2010, reached its highest level since the 45th week of 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 227,985 trailers and containers, up 21.2 percent from last year but down .2 percent from 2008. Rail carloads posted gains over the comparable week in 2009. U.S. railroads originated 284,913 carloads during the week ended June 19, up 9.2 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 10 percent from 2008. Fifteen of the 19 carload commodities groups increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Association of American Railroads, 6-24-10]
WEEK ENDING 6-12-10: For the week ended June 12, 2010, U.S. freight railroads continue to post traffic gains over 2009 levels. U.S. railroads originated 288,973 carloads last week, up 10.5 percent from the comparable week in 2009. However, carloads were still down 10.3 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 223,075 trailers and containers, up 17.7 percent from last year but down 2.3 percent from 2008. Sixteen of 19 carload commodity groups were up from last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 6-17-10]
WEEK ENDING 6-5-10: U.S. railroads originated 270,251 carloads for the week ending June 5, 2010, up four percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 16.4 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 191,758 trailers and containers, up 1.6 percent from a year ago, but down 18.9 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 4.5 percent and trailer volume fell 13 percent. Ten of the 19 carload commodities increased from the comparable week in 2009. [Assn. of American Railroads, 6-9-10]
WEEK ENDING 5-29-10: The Association of American Railroads reported that intermodal volume on U.S. freight railroads for the week ended May 29, 2010, reached its highest level since November 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 225,111 trailers and containers, up 35.5 percent from last year and 10.3 percent from 2008. U.S.railroads also originated 286,665 carloads during the week ended May 29, up 21.9 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 8.9 percent from 2008. All 19 carload commodities increased from the comparable week in 2009 and three groups posted increases over 2008 levels. [Assn. of American Railroads, 6-3-10]
WEEK ENDING 5-22-10: Rail traffic has leveled off after 12 consecutive weeks of gains. Both rail carloads and intermodal volume remain up in comparison to 2009. U.S. railroads originated 288,114 carloads during the week ended May 22, up 10.6 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 12.4 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 215,118 trailers and containers, up 12.7 percent from last year but down 7.9 percent from 2008. Fifteen of 19 carload commodity groups were up from last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 5-27-10]
WEEK ENDING 5-15-10: Intermodal volume on U.S. freight railroads for the week ended May 15, 2010, reached its highest level since the 47th week of 2008. Carloadings also saw gains, with 18 of 19 commodity groups showing increases from the comparable week in 2009. U.S. railroads originated 290,263 carloads, up 16.6 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 11.9 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 218,206 trailers and containers, up 15.2 percent from last year but down 6.7 percent from 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 16.8 percent while trailer volume rose 6.9 percent. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume was up 0.8 percent while trailer volume fell 34.6 percent. [Assn. of American Railroads, 5-20-10]
WEEK ENDING 5-8-10: U.S. freight railroads continued to experience traffic gains for the 11th consecutive week. U.S. railroads originated 288,905 carloads, up 14.7 percent from the comparable week in 2009. However, carloads were still down 13.9 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 208,809 trailers and containers, up 14 percent from last year but down 9.2 percent from 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 15.9 percent while trailer volume rose 4.3 percent. Total volume was estimated at 32.2 billion ton-miles, up 16.2 percent from last year but down 8.8 percent from 2008. Eighteen of 19 carload commodity groups were up from last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 5-13-10]
WEEK ENDING 5-1-10: The Association of American Railroads said that the growth in rail freight traffic continued during the week ended May 1, 2010, as all 19 carload freight commodities and both intermodal categories were up from a year ago for the second consecutive week. U.S. railroads originated 295,718 carloads during the week ended May 1, up 16.3 percent from the comparable week in 2009. However, volume was still down 11.6 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 213,013 trailers and containers, up 13.2 percent from last year but down 5.4 percent compared with 2008. Total volume was estimated at 32.9 billion ton-miles, up 16.7 percent from last year but down 6.5 percent from 2008. [Assn. of American Railroads, 5-6-10]
WEEK ENDING 4-24-10: U.S. railroads originated 298,218 carloads during the week ended April 24, 2010, up 14.6 percent from the comparable week in 2009. However, volume was still down 10.8 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 212,347 trailers and containers, up 15.1 percent from last year but down 5.4 percent compared with 2008. All 19 carload commodity groups were up from last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 4-29-10]
WEEK ENDING 4-17-10: The Association of American Railroads says signs of recovery in U.S. freight rail traffic continue to gain momentum, with carload volume last week reaching its highest level since the week ended December 6, 2008. U.S. railroads originated 296,599 carloads during the week ended April 17, 2010, up 16.1 percent from the comparable week in 2009. However, volume was still down 11.6 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 209,903 trailers and containers, up 14.6 percent from last year but down 6.3 percent compared with 2008.Eighteen of 19 carload commodity groups were up from last year. [Association of American Railroads, 4-22-10]
WEEK ENDING 4-10-10: The Association of American Railroads reports that freight traffic on U.S. railroads was once again up sharply for the week ended April 10, 2010, compared with the same period a year ago. U.S. railroads originated 288,495 carloads during the week, up 16.4 percent from the comparable week in 2009, with all 19 carload commodity groups showing increases from last year. However, volume was still down 12 percent compared with the same period in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 203,549 trailers and containers, up 14.2 percent from last year but down 10.5 percent compared with 2008. [Association of American Railroads, 4-15-10]
WEEK ENDING 4-3-10: U.S. railroads originated 290,217 carloads during the week ending April 3, 2010, up 10.7 percent from the comparable week in 2009. This was the sixth consecutive week carload volume has topped year-over-year levels compared with 2009, while traffic was still down 11.8 percent compared with 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 196,257 trailers and containers, up 6.2 percent from last year but down 9.4 percent compared with 2008. This was the twelfth straight week intermodal volume was above 2009 levels. Total volume for the week was estimated at 31.3 billion ton-miles, up 11 percent from last year, but down 9.3 percent from 2008. Seventeen of 19 carload commodity groups showed gains from a year ago. [Assn. of American Railroads, 4-8-10]
WEEK ENDING 3-27-10: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads is continuing to show solid signs of recovery with carload freight volume hitting its highest level since November 2008 during the week ended March 27, 2010. U.S. railroads originated 293,114 carloads during the week, up 16.5 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 11.6 percent from 2008. This was the highest weekly carload total since the week ended November 29, 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 210,914 trailers and containers, up 12 percent from last year but down 5.3 percent compared with 2008. Total volume for the week was estimated at 31.7 billion ton-miles, up 17.4 percent from last year but down 9.2 percent from 2008. Eighteen of 19 carload commodity groups showed gains from a year ago. [Assn. of American Railroads, 4-1-10]
WEEK ENDING 3-20-10: U.S. railroads originated 287,639 carloads during the week ending March 20, 2010, up 4.3 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 10.7 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 201,300 trailers and containers, up 9.5 percent from last year but down 4.6 percent compared with 2008. Total volume for the week was up 5.4 percent from last year but down 7.7 percent from 2008. Sixteen of 19 carload commodity groups showed gains from a year ago. [Association of American Railroads, 3-25-10]
WEEK ENDING 3-13-10: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads was up from a year ago during the week ended March 13, the third consecutive week of gains on a year over year basis. U.S. railroads originated 287,837 carloads during the week, up 3.2 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 12 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 203,626 trailers and containers, up 15.1 percent from last year but down 5.9 percent compared with 2008. Total volume for the week was up 4.3 percent from last year but down 9 percent from 2008. Thirteen of 19 carload commodity groups showed gains from a year ago. [Association of American Railroads, 3-18-10]
WEEK ENDING 3-6-10: Rail freight volume on U.S. railroads is continuing to show some signs of recovery, with both carload freight and intermodal traffic during the week ended March 6 registering gains from last year, the Association of American Railroads reported. U.S. railroads originated 285,160 carloads during the week, up 3.7 percent from the comparable week in 2009, but down 11.5 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 212,296 trailers and containers, up 17.9 percent from last year. Fourteen of 19 carload commodity groups showed gains from a year ago. [Association of American Railroads, 3-11-10]
WEEK ENDING 2-27-10: Carload freight volume on U.S. railroads reached its highest level in more than a year during the week ended February 27. U.S. railroads originated 290,261 carloads during the week ended February 27, up 2.6 percent from the comparable week in 2009 and the highest level reported since the week ended December 6, 2008. However, the total was still down 13.5 percent from comparison week in 2008. Intermodal traffic of 205,817 trailers and containers reached its highest level so far this year, up 17.5 percent from last year, but down 8.1 percent compared with 2008. Total volume for the week was up 3.9 percent from last year but down 10.5 from 2008. Fifteen of 19 carload commodity groups showed gains from a year ago. [Association of American Railroads, 3-5-10]
WEEK ENDING 2-20-10: For the week ending Febr.20, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 273,999 carloads, down 1.6 percent compared with the same week in 2009, and down 15.3 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic, however, was up sharply in comparison with last year, although still down from 2008. Volume of trailers and containers was up 19 percent from last year, but down 11.1 percent compared with 2008. Compared with the same week in 2009, container volume increased 24.9 percent and trailer volume fell 5.6 percent. Twelve of the 19 carload freight commodity groups actually were up in comparison with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-25-10]
WEEK ENDING 2-13-10: Two major snow storms in less than one week caused a sharp drop in freight traffic on U.S. railroads during the week ended Febr.13. Railroads originated 257,823 carloads, down 8.1 percent compared with the same week in 2009, and down 19.2 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic barely resisted the downward trend, at least in comparison with last year, totaling 192,354 trailers and containers, up 0.5 percent from a year ago, but down 12.5 percent compared with 2008. Ten of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-18-10]
WEEK ENDING 2-6-10: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads registered small gains in comparison with 2009 levels during the week ended Febr.6, but continued to trail levels reported in 2008, the Association of American Railroads reported. For the week ending Feb. 6, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 268,033 carloads, up 1.4 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 14.7 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 201,188 trailers and containers, up 5.1 percent from a year ago, but down 10.7 percent compared with 2008. Fourteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-11-10]
WEEK ENDING 1-30-10: The Association of American Railroads today reported that freight traffic continues to show some improvement compared with 2009, though down sharply compared with the same week in 2008. For the week ending Jan. 30, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 278,438 carloads, up 7.0 percent compared with the same week in 2009, but down 12.7 percent from 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 203,952 trailers and containers, up 7.5 percent from a year ago, but down 9.7 percent compared with 2008. Thirteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 2-4-10]
WEEK ENDING 1-23-10: The Association of American Railroads reported that freight traffic is showing slight improvement in the year over year comparison but remains down sharply when compared to 2008. For the week ending Jan. 23, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 277,420 carloads, up 3.9 percent compared with the same week in 2009 and down 11.1 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 200,807 trailers and containers, up 2.9 percent from a year ago, but down 4.4 percent from 2008. Thirteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year, [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-28-10]
WEEK ENDING 1-16-10: For the week ending Jan. 16, 2010, U.S. railroads originated 264,030 carloads, down .8 percent compared with the same week in 2009 and down 18.5 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 201,728 trailers and containers, up 1.3 percent from a year ago, but down 12.6 percent from 2008. Total volume on U.S. railroads for the week ending Jan. 16, 2009 was estimated at 28.7 billion ton-miles, comparable with the same week last year and down 15.6 percent from 2007. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-21-10]
WEEK ENDING 1-9-10: Freight rail traffic is off to a slow start in 2010 with U.S. railroads originating 236,796 carloads for the week ending Jan. 9, 2010, down 12.4 percent compared with the same week in 2009 and down 28 percent from the same week in 2008. Intermodal traffic totaled 196,788 trailers and containers, down 3.6 percent from a year ago, but down 17.4 percent from 2008. Eleven of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-14-10]
WEEK ENDING 1-2-10: Freight rail traffic posted mixed results for the holiday week ending Jan. 2, 2010, with intermodal volume showing an increase, but carloadings remaining down in comparison to 2008. U.S. railroads reported originating 227,327 carloads, down 1.5 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 17.9 percent from the same week in 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 149,128 trailers and containers, up 1.8 percent from a year ago, but down 9 percent from 2007. Thirteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up in comparison with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 1-7-10]
WEEK ENDING 12-26-09: Intermodal volume was up but both carload freight and total volume as measured in ton-miles slipped from year-ago levels during the week ended December 26, the Association of American Railroads reported. Intermodal traffic totaled 141,699 trailers and containers, up 14.2 percent from a year ago but down 10.7 percent from 2007. Carload freight totaled 197,754 cars, down 1.1 percent from 2008 and 22.3 percent from 2007. Seventeen of the other 18 carload freight commodity groups were up compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 12-30-09]
WEEK ENDING 12-19-09: Total freight volume on U.S. railroads edged ahead of 2008 levels for the week ended December 19, the Association of American Railroads reported. However, volume remained sharply below levels reported during the comparable 2007 week. Total volume was estimated at 30.4 billion ton-miles, up 0.3 percent from the comparable 2008 week, but down 11.6 percent from the comparable 2007 week. Eleven of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were up compared with the same week last year. For the first 50 weeks of 2009, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 13,389,380 carloads, down 16.5 percent from 2008. [Assn. of American Railroads, 12-23-09]
WEEK ENDING 12-12-09: The Association of American Railroads reports that freight rail traffic remains down for the week ending Dec.12, 2009. U.S. railroads reported originating 261,933 carloads, down 10.2 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 18.5 percent from the same week in 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 204,950 trailers and containers, down 3 percent from a year ago and 14.3 percent from 2007. Compared with the same week in 2008, container volume rose 3.6 percent and trailer volume dropped 24.5 percent. Twelve of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 12-17-09]
WEEK ENDING 12-5-09: The Association of American Railroads reported that freight rail traffic showed improvement in the post Thanksgiving holiday week ending Dec. 5, 2009. U.S. railroads reported originating 284,177 carloads, down 5.4 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 13.3 percent from the same week in 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 207,242 trailers and containers, down 4.2 percent from a year ago and 13.6 percent from 2007. Ten of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 12-10-09]
WEEK ENDING 11-28-09: The Association of American Railroads reported that freight rail traffic was down for the Thanksgiving holiday week ended Nov.28, 2009. U.S. railroads reported originating 246,133 carloads for the week, down 3.9 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 29.3 percent from the same week in 2007. The comparison week from 2008 included the Thanksgiving Holiday, while the 2007 comparison week did not. Intermodal traffic totaled 165,856 trailers and containers, down 6.4 percent from a year ago and 32.1 percent from 2007. Ten of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 12-3-09]
WEEK ENDING 11-21-09: Freight traffic on U.S. railroads reached its highest level so far this year during the week ended November 21, the Association of American Railroads reported. U.S. railroads reported originating 287,087 carloads for the week, down 6.8 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down .7 percent from the same week in 2007. Volume was up 2.1 percent from the previous week this year. Intermodal traffic totaled 213,382 trailers and containers, down 3.1 percent from a year ago but up 11.5 percent from 2007. Intermodal traffic was up 2.6 percent from the previous week this year. Thirteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 11-25-09]
WEEK ENDING 11-14-09: The Association of American Railroads reports that freight rail traffic was down for the holiday week ended Nov. 14, 2009. U.S. railroads reported originating 281,218 carloads for the week, down 8.9 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 17 percent from the same week in 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 208,056 trailers and containers, down 7.7 percent from a year ago and 15 percent from 2007. Thirteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 11-19-09]
WEEK ENDING 11-7-09: The Association of American Railroads reports that freight rail traffic remains down for the week ended Nov. 7, 2009. U.S. railroads reported originating 274,846 carloads for the week, down 12.2 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and down 19.6 percent from the same week in 2007. Intermodal traffic showed incremental improvement from Week 43, totaling 206,890 trailers and containers, down 9.5 percent from a year ago and 15.2 percent from 2007. Fifteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 11-12-09]
WEEK ENDING 10-31-09: The Association of American Railroads said that freight rail traffic remains down for the week ended Oct.31, 2009. U.S. railroads reported originating 275,439 carloads for the week, down 13.7 percent compared with the same week in 2008, and down 18.2 percent from 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 203,860 trailers and containers, down 11.1 percent from a year ago and 15.5 percent from 2007. Fifteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down compared with the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 11-5-09]
WEEK ENDING 10-24-09: The Association of American Railroads said that rail traffic remains down year over year for the week ended Oct.24, 2009. U.S railroads reported originating 276,357 carloads, down 14.8 percent compared with the same week in 2008 and 17.3 percent from 2007. Intermodal traffic totaled 207,401 trailers or containers, down 10.1 percent from a year ago and 14.5 percent from 2007. Seventeen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 10-29-09]
WEEK ENDING 10-17-09: The Association of American Railroads said that rail traffic remains down year over year for the week ended Oct.17, 2009. U.S railroads reported originating 275,545 carloads, down 15.4 percent compared with the same week in 2008. It was the same week last year that notable declines in rail carloads (2.4 percent) and rail intermodal (2.8 percent) traffic showed the first significant signs of the nation's economic downturn. Intermodal traffic totaled 206,139 trailers or containers, down 12.6 percent from a year ago. In the year-over-year comparison container volume fell 6.7 percent and trailer volume dropped 35.2 percent. Eighteen of the 19 carload freight commodity groups were down from the same week last year. [Assn. of American Railroads, 10-22-09]
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