Weekly Volumes: Coal Drags While Intermodal Advances

U.S. rail carloads totaled 233,171 for the week ending August 1, edging 0.4% below the same week last year, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). Intermodal containers and trailers, however, climbed 4.8% to 293,239, marking another solid week for the segment. The mixed performance left year-to-date carloads up 2.7% and intermodal up 3.8% through 30 weeks of 2026.

The modest carload decline was largely driven by steep drops in coal, motor vehicles and parts, and chemicals. Coal carloads fell 4,760 units to 57,451, extending a prolonged slide, while automotive shipments dropped 833 carloads to 14,990 and chemical loads slipped 794 to 33,492. These losses were partially offset by gains in metallic ores and metals (up 2,006 to 24,050), farm products excluding grain (up 890 to 17,426) and grain (up 865 to 22,509).

Intermodal’s 4.8% yearly increase, though coming off comparisons to a moderate 2025, underscores steady containerized freight flows. Week-over-week, the intermodal figure was virtually flat with the previous week’s 293,062, indicating stability rather than a fleeting spike.

Commodity Shifts Reveal Changing Industrial Demand

Coal and Auto Weakness Pull Carloads Lower

The 7.7% annual drop in coal carloads continues a structural headwind for U.S. railroads. Coal demand remains under pressure from cheaper natural gas and the ongoing energy transition, a trend that has been particularly visible in eastern networks. The decline in motor vehicles and parts — a 5.3% year-on-year fall — may reflect softer auto production schedules or a shift in shipment patterns, and is worth watching if it persists.

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Chemicals, down 2.3%, likely mirrors cautious industrial output, though the drop is moderate. Together, these three commodity groups accounted for the entire carload shortfall; without them, carloads would have ended the week solidly positive.

Metals and Grain Provide a Counterweight

Metallic ores and metals volumes rose a strong 9.1% year-on-year, pointing to steady construction and manufacturing activity. Grain shipments, up 4%, reflect strong export demand and robust harvests, while the rise in farm products ex-grain signals broad agricultural output. These gains demonstrate that parts of the freight economy remain buoyant even as legacy coal traffic recedes.

Intermodal Surge Points to Consumer and Import Strength

The 4.8% jump in intermodal units suggests that containerized imports and domestic intermodal moves remain healthy. This aligns with broader consumer demand trends and may indicate that retailers and manufacturers are restocking ahead of late-summer and early-fall buying. With year-to-date intermodal growth at 3.8%, the segment is a clear bright spot for rail operators and intermodal marketing companies.

What the Data Means for Shippers and Logistics Planners

  • Shippers moving coal and automotive parts should review rail contracts. Continued coal weakness could lead to service rationalization or higher per-unit costs on remaining volumes; automotive logistics teams may want to confirm capacity agreements if the downturn persists.
  • Grain and metal shippers face tight capacity in some corridors, as weekly gains are piling onto already-elevated year-to-date totals. Locking in rates and securing equipment early could mitigate spot-market exposure.
  • Intermodal marketers and drayage providers should prepare for sustained volume into early autumn. The steady weekly pace, up 4.8% annually, points to continued import flows that will test chassis availability and terminal fluidity.