The number of carloads moved on short line and regional railroads was up in May 2018 compared to May 2017. Carloads originated increased 2.6 percent, from 369,637 in May 2017 to 379,189 in May 2018.
Metals and products led gains with a 19.8 percent increase. Petroleum products as well as crushed stone, sand and gravel also increased, up 16.2 percent and 15.1 percent, respectively. Coal led declines, down 8.8 percent. Trailer or container followed with a decrease of 8.1 percent. (Click here to download the Carloads by Commodity table as an Excel file.)
Carloads originated in 2018 were at about 1.75 million through May 31, up 4,916 carloads, or 0.3 percent from the same period in 2017.
Railinc publishes this information as a service to the rail industry. The Railinc Short Line and Regional Traffic Index can also be found monthly in Railway Age Magazine. For questions or comments, please contact the Railinc Corporate Communications department.
