WASHINGTON — Carload traffic, which had been the positive aspect of U.S. rail traffic, continues to edge downward as overall rail volume remains below 2021 levels, according to the latest statistics from the Association of American Railroads.
Traffic for Week 22 of of 2022, ending June 4, shows overall traffic at 475,513 carloads and intermodal units, a 2.8% decline from the same week in 2021. That includes 250,239 intermodal containers and trailers, down 4.4%, and 225,274 carloads, down 1%.
Among the 10 carload categories tracked by the AA, just four are in positive territory compared to a year ago, led by motor vehicles and parts, up 12.4%.
Year-to-date figures have overall traffic down 3.5%, with an average weekly volume of 493,976 carloads and intermodal units. Intermodal volume is down 6.5%, while total carloads are up just 0.1% over 2021.
North American figures for 12 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads show 319,932 carloads, down 1.4% compared to the corresponding week in 2021, and 331,817 intermodal units, down 5.2%, for a total volume of 651,749 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.4%. Year-to-date figures have overall North American volume down 3.7%.
