U.S. rail carload and intermodal volumes see August declines ... - Logistics Management

August rail carload and intermodal volumes in the United States saw annual declines, according to data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Rail carloads were down 2.0% annually, with gains in motor vehicles & parts, petroleum & petroleum products, and primary metal products. Commodities including grain, coal, and pulp & paper products saw annual declines. Intermodal containers and trailers fell 6.3% annually. Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations were down 4.3% annually. AAR stated that industrial activity, particularly manufacturing, needs to recover for rail volumes in key markets to improve.