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U.S. railroads got off to a good traffic start in July. During the week ending July 5, which included the Fourth of July holiday, they originated 286,242 carloads, up 1.1 percent, and 194,136 intermodal loads, up 0.8 percent compared with totals from the same week last year, according to the Association of American Railroads.

Through 2008's first 27 weeks, U.S. railroads' carload volume totaling 8.7 million units rose 0.3 percent, but intermodal volume totaling 6 million units decreased 3.1 percent vs. the same 2007 period. Total volume reached an estimated 903.8 billion ton-miles, representing a 1.5 percent year-over-year increase.

Canadian railroads registered mixed results in July's first week. During the period ending July 5, which included the Canada Day holiday, their originated carloads declined 5.8 percent to 67,848 units, but intermodal volume rose 1.9 percent to 44,624 units compared with totals from the same week last year.

Through 27 weeks, Canadian railroads' carloads dropped 4.1 percent to 2 million units and intermodal volume increased 4.2 percent to 1.3 million units on a year-over-year basis.

Combined cumulative-volume data through 27 weeks for reporting U.S. and Canadian railroads shows originated carloads totaled 10.7 million units, down 0.6 percent, and intermodal loads totaled 7.2 million units, down 1.9 percent compared with totals from 2007's first 27 weeks.