Rail, Intermodal Freight Traffic Drop for Week

March 3, 2006 9:45 AM, EST

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ail freight and intermodal traffic declined last week compared with the same week last year, the Association of American Railroads reported.

Total intermodal volume dropped 4% and rail freight fell 4.3%, the group said.

Intermodal trailer volume fell 0.7% and containers declined 5.1%.

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.