WASHINGTON — U.S. rail traffic is heading toward the end of the year on a down note, with weekly volume down 5.5% from the same week in 2021, according to the latest statistics from the Association of American Railroads.
U.S. railroads moved 476,232 carloads and intermodal units for the week ending Dec. 17. That includes 226,977 carloads, down 3.2% from the corresponding week a year ago, and 249,255 containers and trailers, down 7.5%.
Through 50 weeks of 2022, carload traffic is flat compared to a year ago, while intermodal traffic is down 4.9%, combining for an overall decrease of 2.7%.
North American totals for the week, from 12 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads, include 330,786 carloads, up 0.2%; 329,112 intermodal units, down 5.7%, and total volume of 659,898 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.9%. Year-to-date traffic is down 1.8% compared to 2021.
Ronald beat me too it, also how much of the drop was due to UP’s various embargos.
How much of this is the result of shipping companies changing port calls. Several I’ve read have been operating to Savannah, Charleston, New York/Newark, and several other ports.
Weren’t we still catching up with containers at the ports last year?
Why would they “seek” a big drop?
Fixed. Thanks.
Can’t help but wonder how much of the loss went to trucks because of the railroad’s poor service.