From the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Rail Time Indicators. Graphs and excerpts reprinted with permission.
Uncertainty shapes economic cycles — fueling booms,
triggering busts, and driving debates about what comes
next. Uncertainty abounds in the railroad industry too,
where evolving demand, market conditions, and
economic policies constantly create both challenges
and opportunities.
…
For now, both rail traffic and the broader economy
reflect a mix of strengths and weaknesses, with some
sectors proving resilient while others struggle in the
face of shifting conditions.
emphasis added
Click on graph for larger image.
This graph from the Rail Time Indicators report shows the year-over-year change for carloads, carloads ex-coal, and intermodal.
In February, intermodal performance was again
strong, with volumes rising 6.4% (66,340 units) year
over-year. Originations averaged 276,654 units per
week, the most ever for a February. This strength
reflects solid consumer spending and, in part, efforts
by some importers to expedite shipments in anticipation
of tariffs.
…
U.S. railroads originated 843,618 carloads in February,
down 4.5% from last year. Carloads rose fractionally in
January, their first increase in five months. In February,
severe floods in the Northeast and frigid temperatures
in the upper Midwest and much of the rest of the
country constrained rail operations and the ability of rail customers to load and unload freight. Without these
weather issues, rail volumes likely would have been higher.
