freight-rail

Freight Rail Index Hits Near Decade High as Rail Traffic Outpaces GDP Growth

The Freight Rail Index has climbed to its highest level since 2008 after four consecutive months of gains, with North American rail traffic up 3.6% in Week 31. U.S. carloads excluding coal rose 4.7% in Week 31 and intermodal set a July record, driving a modal shift away from trucks. A U.S. District Court upheld the FRA's two-person crew rule, while Amtrak faces Midwest locomotive availability issues.