Rail freight puts the pedal to the metal(s) in latest data

U.S. rail freight saw a significant increase in the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, with shipments rising 2.4% to 525,099 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending August 15 compared to the same period last year. Commodity freight shipments totaled 233,261 carloads, up 1.9%, while intermodal volume increased by 2.7% to 291,838 containers and trailers.

Metallic minerals and ores led the increase in carload commodity groups, with a 19.2% rise. This surge was driven by higher steel production, Section 232 tariffs, and tighter enforcement, which have reduced foreign supply and redirected demand to domestic mills. Forest products also saw a 10.5% year-over-year increase. While motor vehicles and parts declined 13.2%, coal carloads saw a 5.7% year-over-year drop.

For the first 32 weeks of 2026, U.S. railroads hauled 7,276,025 carloads and 9,005,409 intermodal units, marking a 2.7% and 3.8% increase, respectively. The first 32 weeks of the year saw a 3.3% overall increase in U.S. rail traffic to 16,281,434 carloads and intermodal units. The sector is benefiting from strong import demand and ongoing shifts from truckload freight to rail due to rising rates.

North American rail volume for the week was up 4.7% to 335,920 carloads and 383,904 intermodal units compared to the previous year. Cumulative traffic for the first 32 weeks of 2026 reached 22,343,160 carloads and intermodal units, a 2.9% increase from 2025.