The latest “Rail Industry Overview (RIO)” from the Association of American Railroads highlights consumer confidence and job growth as vital to rail volume increases, particularly in intermodal transportation. This monthly report offers insights on rail traffic’s economic implications and includes a Freight Rail Index tracking sensitive commodities. AAR’s Chief Economist Rand Ghayad noted that rail data is a reliable economic indicator. Although October saw a slight drop in the Freight Rail Index, intermodal traffic rose significantly, reflecting strong consumer spending. Despite a manufacturing slump affecting carload demand, Ghayad remains cautiously optimistic about 2024’s outlook.

Source: https://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/u.s_intermodal_and_rail_carload_volumes_see_varying_results_notes_aars_rail_industry_overview/