Recent data from the Association of American Railroads reveals encouraging trends in rail freight volumes, with intermodal shipping driving much of the growth while traditional carload commodities show mixed performance.
Carload Volumes: Coal and Grain Lead Gains
The latest weekly data shows U.S. railroads moved 219,457 carloads during the week ending March 8, marking a 2.6% increase compared to the same period last year. While slightly below the previous week's 222,757 carloads, this represents a significant improvement over the 193,252 carloads recorded in late February.
Among the 10 major commodity categories tracked by AAR, five showed year-over-year growth. Coal shipments led the gains , increasing by 2,815 carloads to reach 57,977 total units. Grain followed closely with an additional 2,414 carloads (21,710 total), while miscellaneous freight saw an increase of 1,114 carloads (8,897 total).
However, not all commodities shared in this growth. Metal ores and products declined by 868 carloads (17,939 total), chemicals decreased by 675 carloads (33,079 total), and forest products dropped by 171 carloads (8,188 total). These declines likely reflect sector-specific challenges or shifting demand patterns.
Intermodal Shipping: Sustaining Strong Momentum
Intermodal traffic outperformed carload volumes, with railroads moving 277,955 containers and trailers during the week - a 7.7% year-over-year increase . Though slightly below the previous week's 285,774 units, this maintains a strong upward trajectory compared to the 265,261 units moved in late February.
The flexibility and multimodal capabilities of intermodal shipping make it particularly well-suited to modern supply chain demands. As e-commerce continues to expand and consumer expectations for rapid delivery intensify, intermodal's role in freight transportation appears increasingly vital.
Year-to-Date Performance: Intermodal Offsets Carload Declines
Cumulative data for the first 10 weeks of 2025 reveals a nuanced picture. Total carload volumes reached 2,088,739 units, representing a 1.5% decline compared to the same period last year. However, robust intermodal growth more than compensated for this shortfall, with 2,714,285 units moved - an 8.4% year-over-year increase .
This divergence highlights structural changes in U.S. rail freight. Traditional carload shipping faces multiple headwinds, including energy sector transitions, manufacturing relocations, and competition from alternative transport modes. Meanwhile, intermodal benefits from expanding global trade, supply chain optimization efforts, and growing emphasis on environmentally sustainable transportation solutions.
Future Outlook: Balancing Challenges and Opportunities
The road ahead presents both obstacles and potential for U.S. rail freight. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and energy price volatility may impact demand. Conversely, technological innovation, infrastructure modernization, and policy initiatives could create new opportunities for growth.
Rail operators must continue enhancing operational efficiency, service quality, and business diversification to adapt to evolving market conditions. Simultaneously, public and private investment in rail infrastructure modernization will be crucial to supporting reliable, efficient, and sustainable freight transportation that can power economic growth.
As the industry navigates this period of transformation, its ability to leverage emerging opportunities while addressing persistent challenges will determine its future role in America's transportation ecosystem.