WASHINGTON — Growth of carload traffic was insufficient to offset sagging intermodal volume as U.S. rail traffic continued to lag behind 2022 levels, according to the latest statistcis from the Association of American Railroads.
For the week ending May 27, 2023, overall traffic was 480,998 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.8% from the same week a year earlier. That included 235,307 carloads, up 3.5%, and 245,691 containers and trailers, down 11.6%.
Through 21 weeks of 2023, carload traffic is up 0.7% from the same point in 2022, while intermodal traffic is down 10.8%. Total traffic is off by 5.5%.
North American totals for the week, from 12 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroad, include 337,575 carloads, up 1.7%, 331,924 intermodal units, down 9.3%, and a combined total of 669,449 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.1%. North American volume for 21 weeks is also down 4.1% compared to 2022.
Of greater use would be a 4-week moving average, which would smooth holiday variations. And it would also provide greater insight into traffic at year’s end.
Why does AAR not do this?
“[…] intermodal traffic is down 10.8%.
Wow. Congratulation, PSR.
What relation between PSR and i/m loadings?
More likely, this represents the decline in traffic at the San Pedro Bay Ports [POLA & POLB], some of which has shifted to Gulf and East coast ports, where the concentration of traffic is less amenable to rail hauls.