U.S., Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic: Weekly Insights & Trends

U.S. rail traffic dipped 2.6% in the week ending October 22, with carloads up slightly. Intermodal volume decreased. Read more on the latest **railway** figures!

U.S., Canada, Mexico Rail Traffic: Weekly Insights & Trends
October 24, 2025 1:54 am
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Introduction

In the week ending October 22, U.S. freight-rail traffic reached 497,854 carloads and intermodal units, reflecting a 2.6% decrease compared to the same week last year. Carloads totaled 224,244, a 0.3% increase, while intermodal volume decreased by 4.8% to 273,610 containers and trailers.

U.S. Rail Traffic Overview

During the week ending October 22, U.S. freight-rail traffic registered a total of 497,854 carloads and intermodal units. This represents a 2.6% decrease compared to the corresponding week in the previous year. Carloads specifically reached 224,244, marking a 0.3% increase. The intermodal volume for the same period was recorded at 273,610 containers and trailers, reflecting a 4.8% decrease.

Commodity Group Performance

Analysis of carload commodity groups revealed varied performance. Five out of the ten groups experienced an increase in volume. Notably, nonmetallic minerals saw a rise of 10.7%, reaching 33,517. Metallic ores and metals increased by 7.7%, totaling 20,353, and chemicals saw a 3.1% increase, with a volume of 32,046. Conversely, some commodities experienced decreases, including grain at 10.1%, miscellaneous carloads at 15.3%, and coal at 1.8%.

Canadian Rail Traffic

Canadian railroads reported 92,310 carloads, reflecting a 2.9% decrease for the week. Intermodal units in Canada increased by 5.2%, with a total of 70,928 units.

Mexican Rail Traffic

Mexican railroads recorded 13,597 carloads, an increase of 19.2%. Intermodal units in Mexico reached 14,094, reflecting a 33.9% increase.

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Conclusion

In the week ending October 22, U.S. freight-rail traffic experienced a 2.6% decrease. Carloads increased slightly, while intermodal volume decreased. Canadian railroads saw a decrease in carloads but an increase in intermodal units. Mexican railroads reported increases in both carloads and intermodal units.

Company Summary

Canadian railroads: This refers to the rail transport operations within Canada.

Mexican railroads: This refers to the rail transport operations within Mexico.

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