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Not even the usual distractions of a major holiday could halt U.S. railroads’ traffic momentum. During the week ending Nov. 27, which included Thanksgiving, the roads originated 254,121 carloads, up 3.2 percent, and 183,790 intermodal loads, up 10.8 percent compared with volumes from the same week last year, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The comparison week from last year also included Thanksgiving.

Fifteen of 19 carload commodity groups registered gains, while container volume jumped 11.7 percent and trailer volume rose 6.1 percent.

Intermodal volumes remained above first-half levels and domestic container capacity remained tight “even in late November,” according to Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.’s weekly “Rail Flash” report.

“One shipper contact suggested the typical December import slowing may not be as pronounced given the earlier Chinese New Year and shippers' concern over affordable capacity,” Baird analysts said in the report.

Meanwhile, Canadian railroads reported weekly volume of 67,229 carloads, down 2.4 percent, and 45,236 containers and trailers, up 7.6 percent year over year. Mexican railroads reported 14,779 carloads, up 15.6 percent, and 8,290 intermodal loads, up 8.6 percent.

Through 2010’s first 47 weeks, 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads originated 17.6 million carloads, up 9.3 percent, and 12.8 million containers and trailers, up 14.8 percent vs. 2009 levels.

For more AAR traffic data for the week ending Nov. 27 and through 47 weeks, follow this link.