AAR

Intermodal: ‘On the Decline in 2023’

“Roughly half of U.S. intermodal shipments are related to international trade, so what happens at ports is extremely important to railroads,” said John T. Gray, Senior Vice President of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), which on June 7 released a report on U.S. rail traffic for May 2023 and for the week ending June 3, 2023. “U.S. port volumes, especially on the West Coast, have already been trending down for months and are a major reason why rail intermodal volumes have been on the decline in 2023.”

Millerbernd Manufacturing, which has produced rings and cylinders for 90 years, intends to manufacture flanges, nozzles, protective housings and fitting plates for tank cars at its Winsted, Minn., facility (pictured).
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Supply Side: Millerbernd Manufacturing Company, Siemens Mobility, Zephyr Rail

Winsted, Minn.-based Millerbernd Manufacturing Company receives Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) certification for tank car components. Also, Siemens Mobility acquires Italian software firm Optrail S.r.l.; and Zephyr Rail earns a spot on Zweig Group’s list of best AEI (architecture, engineering and construction) firms to work for.

AAR: North American Rail Volume Down Through 21 Weeks

For the first 21 weeks of 2023 (ending May 27), total U.S. weekly rail traffic dipped 4.1% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) May 31 report. Both Canada and the U.S. saw declines, while Mexico saw an increase.

STB Eyes Alternatives to URCS (UPDATED May 25)

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) in October 2022 sought public comment on a new report that identifies and evaluates alternatives to the Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) that could be used as a replacement general-purpose costing methodology. The Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Western Coal Traffic League (WCTL) respond.

For Week 20, Carloads, Intermodal Volume Decline

U.S rail traffic in Week 20 (ending May 20, 2023) lagged the same week last year—falling 5.2%, according to the Association of American Railroads’ May 24 report. Both carloads and intermodal volume were down.

Photo by Carolina Worrell

Rebuilds Rule

RAILWAY AGE, MAY 2023 ISSUE: Railinc’s analysis of the North American locomotive fleet reveals that the size of the total fleet decreased slightly in 2022.

NS photograph

AAR: North American Rail Volume Down Through 19 Weeks

For the first 19 weeks of 2023 (ending May 13), total U.S. weekly rail traffic dipped 4.0% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) May 17 report. Both Canada and the U.S. saw declines, while Mexico saw an increase.

The May 11 hearing, “Getting Back on Track: Exploring Rail Supply Chain Resilience and Challenges,” was led by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Tex.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

For House Rail Subcommittee, an Earful on Supply Chain Improvements

The rail industry’s role in overcoming supply chain challenges was the theme of a May 11 hearing of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. It was part of what the T&I Committee called its continued “focus on ongoing supply chain challenges throughout the transportation sector, with the goal of identifying potential legislative solutions.” Among the five witnesses was American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President Chuck Baker, who urged Congress members “to wield their pen with precision.”

North American Rail Volume Decline Continues Through Week 18: AAR

Through the first 18 weeks of 2023 (ending May 6), total North American carload and intermodal traffic dipped 4% from the same point last year, according to the Association of American Railroads’ (AAR) May 10 report. Both the U.S. and Canada experienced drop-offs, while Mexico saw an increase.

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