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After severe winter storms hampered their traffic in February’s first full week, U.S. railroads rebounded the following week. During the week ending Feb. 12, they originated 274,043 carloads, up 6.2 percent, and 228,035 containers and trailers, up 18.5 percent compared with volumes from the same week in 2010, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Sixteen of 20 carload commodity groups registered gains.

U.S. railroads’ service metrics also “regained footing” after worsening because of the storms, according to Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.’s weekly “Rail Flash” report.

“Service issues likely will persist for two or three weeks before weather-induced network congestion is relieved,” Baird analysts said in the report. “Decreased average speed and increased dwell time confirm the aftermath of the weather impact.”

Meanwhile, Canadian railroads reported weekly volume of 69,161 carloads, down 1.1 percent, and 47,581 intermodal loads, up 12 percent compared with volumes from 2010’s sixth week. Mexican railroads’ weekly carloads dropped 6.4 percent to 13,554 units, but intermodal volume rose 6.4 percent to 7,069 units.

Through 2011’s first six weeks, 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads originated 2.2 million carloads, up 4.8 percent, and 1.6 million containers and trailers, up 7.2 percent year over year.

For more AAR traffic data for the week ending Feb. 12 and through six weeks, follow this link.