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Rail Traffic Extends Gains Into June as Intermodal Surges

U.S. freight railroads posted strong gains through mid-June. Combined carload and intermodal volume reached 521,998 units for the week ending June 20, according to Association of American Railroads data. Commodity carloads totaled 233,259, up 1.6% year-over-year, while intermodal containers and trailers climbed to 288,739 units, a 12% increase. Seven of ten commodity categories posted gains, with metallic ores and metals leading at 10.3%, followed by forest products at 9% and grain at 8%. Coal declined 6% seasonally. Through 24 weeks, U.S. railroads moved 5.4 million carloads and 6.7 million intermodal units, each up 3% compared to 2025. North American rail traffic across nine reporting carriers totaled 714,568 combined units, up 5% for the week.