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10/7/2025
September's freight-rail volume reflected the uneven pace of the U.S. economy, with pockets of growth offset by emerging weaknesses, according to the Association of American Railroads' latest "Rail Industry Overview" report.
As businesses navigate the uncertainty, rail activity has mirrored broader economic conditions, states the report, which AAR issued on Oct. 3. For example, in September total rail carloads declined 1.2% year over year, with 12 of the 20 major carload categories tracked monthly by AAR posting declines. However, several key industrial commodities — including metal products, autos and parts, metallic ores, and stone and glass products — posted gains.
Meanwhile, U.S. intermodal rail shipments, which are closely tied to consumer demand and international trade, fell 1.3% last month compared to September 2024.
Historically, September and October are peak months for intermodal traffic. But performance this year hinges on several unpredictable factors, including global supply chain shifts and consumer-driven freight demand. To hedge against uncertainty, many businesses have front-loaded shipments ahead of the holiday season, which could impact intermodal volumes going forward, the report states.
To download the full report, click here.