Intermodal rail volumes are accelerating relative to carload freight, according to the latest weekly data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR). For the week ending July 18, total U.S. rail traffic reached 523,900 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.4% compared with the same week in 2025. The growth was driven entirely by intermodal, which posted a 7.2% year-on-year increase to 297,017 containers and trailers, while carloads fell 1.2% to 226,883 units.
Weekly Performance: Intermodal Leads, Carloads Lag
Among the 10 carload commodity groups tracked by AAR, six posted year-on-year gains. Leading the pack were metallic ores and metals (+9.2%), followed by forest products (+3.8%) and grain (+3.0%). On the downside, coal volumes dropped 9.5%, motor vehicles and parts fell 6.9%, and petroleum and similar products slipped 2%.
| Commodity Group | Week-over-Week Change (y/y) |
|---|---|
| Metallic ores & metals | +9.2% |
| Forest products | +3.8% |
| Grain | +3.0% |
| Coal | -9.5% |
| Motor vehicles & parts | -6.9% |
| Petroleum & similar | -2.0% |
Year-to-Date Trends: Cumulative Growth for Both Modes
On a cumulative basis, U.S. railroads have moved 6,344,225 carloads year-to-date through July 18, up 2.9% year-on-year. Intermodal units totaled 7,831,914, a 3.8% increase. Combined volume reached 14,176,139 carloads and intermodal units, gaining 3.4% versus 2025, according to AAR.
North American Rail Network: Modest Gains
For the week ending July 18, nine reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads (including those in North America) recorded 328,259 carloads, up 0.6% year-on-year, and 382,501 intermodal units, a 6.3% increase. Combined North American traffic was 710,760 units, up 3.6%. Year-to-date, the continent's railroads have handled 19,503,621 carloads and intermodal units, a 2.9% rise versus 2025.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
The sustained intermodal growth, against a backdrop of declining carloads, signals a structural shift in freight demand. Logistics managers and freight forwarders should note that intermodal capacity remains in high demand, particularly for containerized imports moving from coastal ports to inland hubs. The weakness in coal and motor vehicles suggests continued headwinds in energy and automotive supply chains. For 3PLs and ocean carriers, the data reinforces the importance of rail intermodal for moving import containers, especially as port throughput remains elevated. Operators should expect continued intermodal rate firmness and plan capacity accordingly. The strong showing in metallic ores and forest products points to steady industrial and construction activity. With year-to-date intermodal units up nearly 4%, rail-dependent shippers should secure intermodal allocations early to avoid peak-season congestion.
