Rail Round-Up: August 2023 Freight Rail Traffic

AUGUST 2023 – All in all, total U.S. rail traffic for eight months through 2023 was 16,173,208 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 4.9 percent compared to last year.?

• American railroads originated 1,133,375 carloads. This number reflects a 2 percent decrease from August 2022.
• American railroads originated 1,239,290 containers and trailers. This number reflects a 6.3 percent decrease from August 2022.
• Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in August 2023 were 2,372,665 marking a 4.3 percent decrease from August 2022.

The AAR also tracks commodities for carloads and found certain categories enjoying year-over-year increases from August 2022. Such reported commodities included:

• Petroleum: Up around 5,700 carloads
• Motor Vehicles (including parts): Up around 9,400 carloads
• Primary Metal Products: Up around 1,800 carloads

On the other hand, certain commodity categories observed year-over-year declines. Such reported commodities included:

• Coal: Down around 9,800 carloads
• Grain: Down around 22,000 carloads, which around 23 percent y/y.

It’s not a surprise intermodal is down as import volumes have remained relatively low at ports. With consumer demand relatively tame and retail inventories still plump, comparative year-over-year decreases are not a complete shock.

However, if a more traditional peak season is underway this past month and into fall, it’ll be interesting to see if there’s enough volumes coming in to at least put a dent into these decreases.

Stay tune for September’s Rail Round Up where we will recap the ninth month of 2023’s freight rail activity!

In the meantime, check out our weekly ROAD MAP newsletter where you can receive your fix for rail news each week, including weekly traffic reports.

Information courtesy of the Association of American Railroads.