Rail Freight Surges Across All Categories in May

Key Details U.S. railroads recorded a strong week ending May 2, with total traffic reaching 518,773 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.9% compared to the same week last year. Commodities volume hit 235,049 carloads with a 4% increase, while intermodal containers and trailers grew 3.9% year-over-year to 283,724 units. Why It Matters Nine of 10 commodity groups outperformed 2025 levels. Grain led the rally with a strong 14.7% increase, followed by petroleum and related products up 8.6%. Forest products was the only category declining, falling 2.6% as weak housing demand continues impacting building material shipments. Year-to-Date Performance Through the first 17 weeks of 2026, combined carload and intermodal volume grew 1.8% compared to last year. North American rail traffic across U.S., Canadian, and Mexican carriers improved 3.4% for the week and 2% year-to-date. Export-driven grain shipments remain particularly strong, supported by steady vessel activity in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Northwest ports.