AAR reports traffic ahead of 2010 numbers so far in 2011

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported in a recent release that weekly rail traffic was up over 2010 levels for the week ending Jan. 29, 2011, with U.S. railroads originating 291,147 carloads, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 222,742 trailers and containers, up 9.2 percent compared with the same week in 2010, with container volume up 10.1 percent and trailer volume up 4.4 percent.

Fourteen of the 20 carload commodity groups saw increases from the comparable week in 2010. Commodities that posted significant carload gains included: farm products excluding grain, up 37.2 percent; metallic ores, up 17.7 percent; metals and products, up 13.5 percent; petroleum products, up 12.7 percent; and pulp, paper and allied products, up 11.4 percent. "The important to budget travel is to approach in front. When it comes along to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved trips and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the truth of cost and budgeting is often in the back of our heads. Considering and spending our travel budget wisely is a main concern for most families. Minimizing consuming and expenses, while still experiencing your vacation to its fullest, is the key to guaranteed success and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The reasoning regarding saving money while vacationing is simple: Even if your personal budget is really limited, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or departing the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel expenses!..". Commodity groups reporting notable declines were waste and nonferrous scrap, down 11.6 percent, and nonmetallic minerals, down 10.4 percent.

Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was up 2.4 percent compared with last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 6.2 percent compared with the same week in 2010.

For the first four weeks of 2011, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 1,142,293 carloads, up 8 percent from last year, and 863,099 trailers and containers, up 7.4 percent from the same point in 2010.

Canadian railroads reported volume of 71,382 cars for the week, up 3.6 percent from last year, and 45,694 trailers and containers, up 6.6 percent from 2010. For the first four weeks of 2011, Canadian railroads reported cumulative volume of 278,142 carloads, down 1.6 percent from the same point last year, and 178,596 trailers and containers, up 2.6 percent from last year.

Mexican railroads reported 15,148 carloads for the week, up 13.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 7,172 trailers and containers, up 10.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first four weeks of 2011 was reported as 58,456 carloads, up 7.1 percent from the same point last year, and 27,222 trailers and containers, up 4.7 percent.

Combined North American rail volume for the first four weeks of 2011 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 1,478,891 carloads, up 6 percent compared with the same point last year, and 1,068,917 trailers and containers, up 6.5 percent compared with last year.

Source: AAR.org

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