Association of American Railroads Reports Decline in U.S. Rail Carload and Intermodal Volumes

What's Happening?

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported a slight decline in U.S. rail carload and intermodal volumes for the week ending August 16, 2025. Rail carloads decreased by 0.9% annually to 228,884, while intermodal containers and trailers fell by 0.6% to 284,086 units. Despite these weekly declines, the year-to-date figures show an increase, with rail carloads up by 2.7% and intermodal units up by 4.4% compared to the same period in 2024. The report highlights that only two out of ten carload commodity groups saw annual gains, with coal and forest products experiencing increases, while miscellaneous carloads, metallic ores and metals, and grain saw decreases.

Why It's Important?

The decline in rail carload and intermodal volumes could signal potential challenges in the U.S. transportation and logistics sectors. Rail transport is a critical component of the supply chain, and fluctuations in these volumes can impact various industries reliant on rail for the movement of goods. The decrease in specific commodity groups like metallic ores and grain may reflect broader economic trends or shifts in demand. Conversely, the overall annual increase in rail and intermodal volumes suggests resilience and potential growth in the sector, which could benefit industries dependent on efficient rail logistics.