Intermodal Traffic Sets Annual Record, AAR Says

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ail intermodal traffic set an annual record in 2005 as of last week, even with three weeks yet to be reported, the Association of American Railroads said Thursday.

Intermodal volume reached almost 11.1 million trailers or containers through last Saturday, breaking 2004’s full-year record of almost 11 million units, AAR said.

Railroad volume is considered an important economic indicator. Intermodal traffic, which tends to be higher-valued merchandise than bulk commodities, uses trains for the long haul and trucks for the shorter distance at either end of the trip.

For the week, total intermodal volume rose 0.9% year-over-year to 237,801 units, AAR said. Trailer volume dipped 1.1% to 65,402 units, while container volume rose 1.7% to 180,285 units.

Total rail carloads for the week fell 7.2% to 314,719 units, the group said in its weekly report.