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To say U.S. railroads has another good traffic week is an understatement. During the week ending April 2, they originated 305,905 carloads, up 5.7 percent — a record gain — compared with volume from the same week last year (which included Good Friday), and the highest carload total since late 2008, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Fifteen of 20 carload commodity groups registered gains.

The railroads also originated 234,308 containers and trailers, up 19.4 percent year over year.
 
Intermodal traffic strength continued for eastern railroads while intermodal volumes continued to improve for western railroads after a relatively weak first quarter, according to Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.’s weekly “Rail Flash” report.

“Industry contacts confirm domestic intermodal demand remains solid, with one intermodal marketing company noting its capacity is effectively sold out, supportive of early second quarter rate increases among various intermodal rail providers,” Baird analysts said in the report.

Meanwhile, Canadian railroads reported weekly volume of 78,728 carloads, up 11 percent, and 46,612 containers and trailers, up 11.1 percent year over year. Mexican railroads’ weekly carloads jumped 40.5 percent to 15,338 units and intermodal volume soared 38.1 percent to 6,986 units.

Through 2011’s first 13 weeks, 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads originated 4.9 million carloads, up 4.2 percent, and 3.5 million containers and trailers, up 7.9 percent compared with volumes from the same 2010 period.

For more AAR traffic data for the week ending April 2 and through 13 weeks, follow this link.