North American small roads continue to move more carloads, RMI says (12/13/2005)
12/13/2021During 2005’s first three quarters, North American regionals and short lines increased carloads 7.1 percent compared with the same 2004 period, according to RMI’s RailConnect Index® Quarterly Analysis of Traffic Statistics.
About 85 percent of the traffic increase is attributed to three traffic segments: Intermodal (up 25.6 percent); stone, clay and aggregates (up 15.3 percent); and chemicals (up 9.0 percent). Only motor vehicle, coal and “other” traffic — which account for less than 1 percent of all carloads — fell during the period.
Short-line traffic during the fourth quarter looks equally promising, the report states. Coal volumes will increase because of rising natural gas prices, declining stockpiles and increasing Powder River Basin traffic; chemical business will continue to recover from hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and building material moves will rise as southeastern communities continue to rebuild.
“[Although] grain traffic remains surprisingly slow, railroads are hoping for a better fourth-quarter result,” said RMI Chairman Pete Kleifgen in a prepared statement.
RMI compiles traffic data for the RailConnect Index from about 225 North American regional, short line and terminal switching railroads.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News