US intermodal August volume up 4.3pc, second best month on record

US RAILWAY container movement increased 4.3 per cent in August year on year producing the second biggest volume month on record, reports the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

Canadian intermodal volume in the week ending September 1 rose 0.1 per cent year on year, and carloads increased in the same period. Year to date, Canadian volumes increased 6.9 per cent year on year and carload movement increased 2.8 per cent.

Mexican intermodal volume increased 12.6 per cent year on year in the same period and carload traffic rose 2.3 per cent in the same period.

"Weakness in coal car loadings was largely but not entirely offset by increases in carloads of petroleum and petroleum products, autos, lumber, and several other commodities, with intermodal showing continued strength," said AAR vice president John Gray."