Rail Round-Up: February 2024 Freight Rail Traffic

FEBRUARY 2024 – The first two months of the year captured a total traffic of 491,697 carloads and intermodal units, a 11.6 percent uptick from the same time last year.

• U.S. railroads originated 885,548 carloads, down 1.3 percent from February 2023.
• U.S. railroads originated 1,040,312 containers and trailers (intermodal). This number reflects a 10.9 percent increase from February 2023.
• Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in February 2024 were 1,925,860, marking a 4.9 percent upswing from February 2023.

Last month, certain commodities enjoyed year-over-year increases from February 2023. Such reported commodities included:

• Motor vehicles and parts: up 12.3 percent
• Chemicals: up 5.1 percent
• Grain: up 6.3 percent

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

• Coal: down 11.7 percent
• Crushed stone, sand, and gravel: down 10.1 percent
• Nonmetallic minerals: down 12.7 percent

Rail traffic data is courtesy of the Association of American Railroads

While also contributing to a fall in consumer spending, inclement weather in January had a notable impact on freight rail traffic.

Fortunately, economists have assured rail traffic has recovered from these disruptions. This is largely expressed in intermodal volumes, which sustained their growth through February, furthering a promising trend in increased shipper confidence.

Stay tuned for March’s Rail Round Up where we will recap the third month of 2024’s freight rail activity!

In the meantime, refer to Commerce Express Inc’s weekly rail updates for up-to-date rail traffic as well as industry news.