U.S. rail traffic rises 4.1% in week ending Aug 29; intermodal up 5.7%

Summary

U.S. railroads moved 543,212 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending 29 August, up 4.1% year on year, with intermodal volume of 303,191 containers and trailers gaining 5.7% and carloads up 2.2% to 240,021. Metallic ores and metals led carload growth at +11%, while chemicals (-3.8%) and motor vehicles (-6%) fell; cumulative 2026 traffic is up 3.3%.