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After notching traffic gains nearly every week this year, U.S. railroads registered a drop for the week ending April 16 — albeit a very small one. They originated 295,426 carloads, down 0.3 percent year over year, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). However, their intermodal volume totaling 230,460 containers and trailers increased 9.8 percent.
 
Only 11 of 20 carload commodity groups posted gains. Chemical carloads increased 4 percent, but the sector had registered a 7.9 percent year-over-year gain for the whole first quarter, according to Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.’s latest “Rail Flash” report.

“Absolute volume levels remain solid, although basic chemicals have dipped in recent weeks, potentially a result of seasonal slowing in fertilizers,” Baird analysts said in the report. “That said, petroleum products have improved, partially offsetting lower chemical volumes to start the second quarter. Both basic chemicals and petroleum remain positive year over year.”

Meanwhile, Canadian railroads reported weekly carloads of 76,824 units, up 4 percent, and intermodal volume of 46,039 units, down 3 percent compared with the same 2010 period. Mexican railroads’ weekly carloads jumped 16.4 percent to 16,021 units and intermodal volume rose 8.4 percent to 7,791 units.
 
Through 2011’s first 15 weeks, 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads originated 5.7 million carloads, up 3.9 percent, and 4.1 million containers and trailers, up 8.1 percent compared with volumes from the same 2010 period.

For more AAR traffic data for the week ending April 16 and through 15 weeks, follow this link.