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U.S. railroads brought May to a close by setting another 18-month high for intermodal volume. During the week ending May 29, they originated 225,111 containers and trailers, up a whopping 35.5 percent compared with volume from the same week last year and 10.3 percent compared with the total from the same week in 2008, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). However, the comparative weeks in 2009 and 2008 included Memorial Day.

U.S. railroads also originated 286,665 carloads, up 21.9 percent year over year. All 19 carload commodities tracked by the AAR posted gains vs. 2009 totals and three registered increases vs. 2008 levels.

Nonetheless, coal and chemical volumes continued to weaken primarily because of seasonal declines, according to Robert W. Baird & Co Inc.’s weekly “Rail Flash” report. Coal volumes have decelerated at a faster-than-seasonal pace, which can be attributed to elevated stockpiles and milder spring weather, Baird analysts said in the report.

“However, recent company commentary suggests a potentially improved second-half utility coal outlook if utilities experience a strong summer coal burn and increasing industrial electricity demand,” they said. “Metallurgical/export coal remains a strong source of growth for the eastern rails.”

Meanwhile, for the week ending May 29, Canadian railroads reported 70,699 carloads, up 29.7 percent, and 46,374 trailers intermodal loads, up 20.6 percent year over year. Mexican railroads' weekly carloads jumped 24.2 percent to 15,390 units and their intermodal volume soared 37.4 percent to 6,915 units.

Through the year’s first 21 weeks, 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads originated 7.7 million carloads, up 10.2 percent, and 5.4 million containers and trailers, up 11.9 percent year over year.

For more AAR data for the week ending May 29 and through 21 weeks, follow this link.