Rail volumes down 3%: what it means for 2025

As of late October 2025 (Week 43), U.S. Class I railroads are navigating a landscape of tepid growth tempered by recent declines. According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), U.S. rail volumes for the week ending October 25 (Week 43) dipped 3% year-over-year, with 498,462 combined carloads and intermodal units moved. This marks a slight deterioration from the flat four-week and quarter-to-date (QTD) trends, though year-to-date (YTD) volumes remain up 2%. The figures, drawn ...