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During the week ending May 20, U.S. railroads originated 349,455 carloads, an 8.4 percent increase compared with the same 2005 week and the roads’ high-water mark for a seven-day period this year, according to the Association of American Railroads. Originated intermodal units totaling 243,800 units also rose 8.4 percent.

During 2006’s first 20 weeks, U.S. railroads originated 6.7 million carloads, up 0.9 percent, and 4.6 million trailers and containers, up 6.1 percent compared with the same 2005 period. Total estimated volume of 664.7 billion ton-miles rose 2.1 percent.

During the week ending May 20, Canadian railroads originated 75,525 carloads, down 5 percent compared with the same 2005 week. However, originated intermodal loads totaling 47,477 units increased 5.4 percent.

Through 20 weeks, Canadian roads originated 1.5 million carloads, down 2.3 percent, and 887,290 trailers and containers, up 5.0 percent compared with the same 2005 period.

On a combined cumulative-volume basis through 20 weeks, 13 reporting U.S. and Canadian railroads originated 8.3 million carloads, up 0.3 percent, and 5.5 million trailers and containers, up 5.9 percent compared with 2005’s first 20 weeks.

In Mexico, Kansas City Southern de México S.A. de C.V.’s (KCSM) reported weekly total carload volume of 11,133 units, a 14.2 percent decrease compared with the same 2005 week. Total weekly intermodal volume of 4,489 trailers and containers declined 9.1 percent. Through 20 weeks, KCSM reported total cumulative volume of 227,169 carloads, down 6.3 percent, and 75,887 trailers and containers, down 7.3 percent compared with the same 2005 period.