U.S. & Canada Rail Traffic: August 2024 – CN, CPKC Impact

Introduction

U.S. freight railroads transported a total of 512,333 carloads and intermodal units during the week ending August 23, reflecting a 0.8% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR).

U.S. Rail Traffic Overview

The AAR data indicates that carloads for the week totaled 229,783, marking a 0.6% increase. However, intermodal volume reached 282,550 containers and trailers, which represents a 1.9% decrease.

Commodity Group Performance

Out of the 10 carload commodity groups monitored weekly by the AAR, four experienced increases. These included grain, which rose by 9.2% to 20,389 carloads; motor vehicles and parts, increasing by 6% to 17,681 carloads; and farm products excluding grain, and food, which saw a 4.1% increase, totaling 16,140 carloads.

Commodity groups that reported decreases were petroleum and petroleum products, down 9.9% to 9,769 carloads; coal, which decreased by 0.6% to 62,043 carloads; and miscellaneous carloads, down 2.7% to 9,100.

Canadian Rail Traffic

Canadian railroads reported 80,067 carloads for the week, indicating a 23.8% increase. Additionally, intermodal units increased by 47.7%, reaching 73,564 units.

Factors Influencing Traffic

AAR officials noted in an email that the increase in rail traffic is attributable to a decline in rail traffic ahead of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference strike/lockout that occurred at CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City from August 22 to August 24 in 2024.

Conclusion

During the week ending August 23, U.S. freight railroads saw a 0.8% decrease in carloads and intermodal units, with specific commodities showing varying performance. Canadian railroads reported significant increases in both carloads and intermodal units. These figures reflect impacts from the impending Teamsters Canada Rail Conference strike/lockout at CN and Canadian Pacific Kansas City.

Company Summary

Association of American Railroads (AAR): The Association of American Railroads is an industry trade group that represents freight railroads in North America. It collects and publishes data on rail traffic.

CN: CN is a Canadian and American Class I freight railway operating in Canada and the United States.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City: Canadian Pacific Kansas City is a Class I freight railway operating in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.