Railinc Senior Data Scientist David Humphrey provides additional insight into the status of the railcar fleet for Q1 2023. Refer to the complete Q1 2023 Umler Index for more information or scroll down to view a comprehensive graphic. The first quarter of 2023 has ended. A quick look at newly installed equipment in Umler shows a few…
The North American rail equipment fleet increased its total size during the first quarter of 2023. The total equipment count was 2,099,586, for a change of 0.4 percent. The four largest segments during the quarter were Covered Hoppers (29 percent), Tank Cars (22 percent) and Gondolas and Intermodal (10 percent). Only six car groups increased from the last quarter, led by Gondolas, up 1.0 percent. Box Cars, Intermodal and Misc. each increased…
The number of carloads moved on short line and regional railroads in March 2023 was down compared to March 2022. Carloads originated decreased 0.9 percent, from 366,725 in March 2022 to 363,458 in March 2023.  Crushed Stone, Sand and Gravel topped March gains with a 23.7 percent increase. Five other car groups increased during March, including Chemicals, which was up 16.8 percent. Pulp, Paper and Allied Products led declines, down 19.3…
As mentioned in our previous blog, An Introduction to Class I Freight Railroads, the North American freight rail network is operated by seven Class I railroads, 22 regional railroads and over 580 short line railroads. The latter two are often referred to as “regionals” and “short lines” and are represented by the
The number of carloads moved on short line and regional railroads in February 2023 was up compared to February 2022. Carloads originated increased 6.2 percent, from 310,231 in February 2022 to 329,351 in February 2023.  Crushed Stone, Sand and Gravel led gains in February with a 34.5 percent increase. Petroleum Products and Chemicals were also up, increasing 30.3 percent and 22.4 percent, respectively. Grain led declines, down 16 percent,…
Freight railroads, equipment providers, repair shops and others must work together in various ways to effectively support customers and the North American economy. Each railroad and holding company is essential to the North American supply chain. All United States railroads are regulated by the Surface Transportation Board (STB). The board oversees rail mergers, rates, service and more. Who Are the North American Class I Freight Railroads?…
Railinc’s Customer Success Center (CSC) team recently won bronze in The Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service in Technology Industries. The awards recognize customer service and contact center achievements, sales and business development and thought leadership initiatives. The 2023 competition received more than 2,300 nominations from organizations in 49 nations and territories and our CSC team received international recognition for…
The number of carloads moved on short line and regional railroads in January 2023 was up compared to January 2022. Carloads originated increased 14 percent, from 315,610 in January 2022 to 359,701 in January 2023.  Coal led gains with a 47.3 percent increase. Crushed Stone, Sand and Gravel and Nonmetallic Minerals were also up significantly, increasing 33.6 percent and 31.8 percent, respectively. Only Trailer or Container and Metallic Ores…