The number of US rail carloads originating in September 2012 totaled 1,152,174, down 3.7 percent compared with September 2011, according to a report from the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Intermodal traffic in September totaled 973,715 containers and trailers, up 2.5 percent (24,126 units) compared with September 2011. September 2012 represents the 34th straight month of intermodal gains.
Commodity groups that saw carload gains in September 2012 compared with September 2011 included: petroleum and petroleum products, up 55.7 percent or 16,586 carloads and motor vehicles and parts, up 5.3 percent or 3,088 carloads.
Commodities with carload declines in September 2012 were led by coal, down 12.1 percent or 65,867 carloads; metallic ores, down 21.7 percent or 7,531 carloads. Carloads excluding coal were up 3.4 percent, or 22,121 carloads, in September 2012 over September 2011.