Intermodal experienced a modest gain of nearly 5% for the week ending March 5, 2016, offsetting an 8% drop in carload traffic compared with the same week in 2015, the Association of American Railroads reported on March 9.
Aided by a labor dispute at West Coast ports last year that impacted volume, intermodal traffic experienced a spike of nearly 13% in February 2016, compared to the prior-year period, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) said on March 2, 2016, reporting weekly traffic as well as February traffic. Carload traffic remained weak.
Intermodal continues to carry the day for the North American freight railroad industry, registering a gain of nearly 20% for the week ending Feb. 20, 2016, the third consecutive week of double-digit growth, compared to the prior-year period, and offsetting weak carload traffic—which includes a sharp drop in crude oil.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on Feb. 22, 2016 debuted the newest version of its Freight Rail Works campaign, “which explores how freight rail’s ongoing private investments in building, growing and maintaining the nation’s rail network ensure railroads play a unique and integral role in helping move 54 tons of freight for every American per year.”
For the week ending Feb. 13, 2016, North American freight rail traffic experienced a 10% gain in intermodal for the second week in a row, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported on Feb. 17, 2016.
For the week ending Feb. 6, 2016, North American freight rail traffic experienced a 10% gain in intermodal, and a corresponding drop in carloads, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported on Feb. 10, 2016.
2018 or 2020, whatever the case may be, isn’t very far off. According to a Positive Train Control implementation chart published on the Federal Railroad Administration website, 30 out 37 U.S. freight and passenger railroads required to have PTC—roughly 80%—will have the technology in place by the year-end 2018 extended deadline.
In reporting rail traffic for January 2016, Association of American Railroads (AAR) Senior Vice President John T. Gray said, “”Intermodal was solid in January, but carload volumes weren’t what railroads were hoping for. By all accounts, rail service right now is excellent, but volume just isn’t there.”
For the week ending Jan. 23, 2016, total U.S. rail traffic was 490,324 carloads and intermodal units, down 10.5% compared with the same week in 2015, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported on Jan. 27. U.S. carloads fell nearly 20%, with only one of 10 commodity groups posting an increase.
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) on Jan. 27, 2016 released its first “State of the Industry Report” focusing on the key challenges, accomplishments and innovations within the freight railroad industry. This initial, five-chapter edition details the industry’s investments in new technology and innovation that are enhancing safety across the nation’s rail network.
