WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic remains well ahead of 2020 figures —both for the week ending May 22 and in year-to-date totals — according to the latest statistics released by the Association of American Railroads.
For the week, U.S. railroads moved 242,227 carloads — up 27.2% over the corresponding week in 2020 — and 286,547 intermodal trailers and containers, up 20.4%. Total traffic of 528,774 carloads and intermodal units represents a 23.4% increase. The carload traffic includes an increase in every one of the 10 commodity groups tracked by the AAR.
For the year-to-date totals for the first 20 weeks of 2021, carload traffic is up 6.2%, intermodal units are up 18.6% and total traffic is up 12.7%. The 2020 figures continue to reflect the depressed economy and rail activity stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
North American totals — for 12 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads — include 340,793 carloads (up 24.6% over the same week in 2020), 378,724 intermodal units (up 20.4%), and total volume of 719,517 carloads and units, up 22.4%. For the year to date, total rail volume is up 11.4%.
2020 bad year for comparison. Need 2019 as well