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U.S. railroads got off to a slow start in August. During the month's first full week ending Aug. 9, their originated carloads totaling 328,281 units declined 0.1 percent and intermodal volume totaling 233,948 units decreased 1.4 percent compared with totals from the same week last year, according to the Association of American Railroads.

Through 2008's first 32 weeks, U.S. railroads originated 10.4 million carloads, up 0.3 percent, and 7.1 million containers and trailers, down 3 percent compared with totals from the same 2007 period. Total volume reached an estimated 1.08 trillion ton-miles, representing a 1.5 percent year-over-year increase.

Canadian railroads had a slightly better week. During the week ending Aug. 9, their carloads totaling 71,764 units dropped 4.7 percent, but intermodal loads totaling 47,826 units inched up 0.7 percent compared with totals from the same week last year.

Through 32 weeks, Canadian railroads originated 2.4 million carloads, down 4.2 percent, and 1.5 million containers and trailers, up 4.2 percent vs. last year's totals.

On a combined cumulative-volume basis through 32 weeks, reporting U.S. and Canadian railroads originated 12.8 million carloads, down 0.5 percent, and 8.6 million intermodal loads, down 1.8 percent compared with totals from the same 2007 period.