Rail News: Rail Industry Trends
Transportation Services Index slipped in March

The Transportation Services Index (TSI) totaled 111.3 in March, down 0.4 percent from February’s level but up 1.1 percent from March 2011’s mark, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

The Freight TSI of 109.4 fell 0.8 percent on a month-over-month basis, but rose 0.8 percent on a year-over-year basis. Freight shipments in March reached the fourth-highest level since the early recession month of July 2008, BTS reported.

The Passenger TSI of 116.7 increased 0.5 percent versus February’s level and 2.1 percent compared with March 2011’s index.

In the first quarter, the TSI dropped 2.7 percent, Freight TSI dipped 3.8 percent and Passenger TSI inched up 0.4 percent compared with first-quarter 2011 levels. Despite the drop, the Freight TSI has risen in nine of the past 11 quarters.

To access more BTS data on the indices in March and through the first quarter, follow this link.