Unlike October, when both rail intermodal and carload volumes saw year-over-year increases, freight traffic on United States railroads in November was a mixed bag, as intermodal volume increased and carload freight declined, according to data released by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) today.

United States railroads originated 1,622,455 carloads of freight in November, which was down 0.9 percent—or 15.255 carloads—from November 2005. Intermodal volume at 1,182,424 units was up 0.7 percent—or 7,648 trailers or containers—compared to November 2005. Despite the limited fluctuation in monthly freight movements compared to last year, the railroad industry continues to have a record year.

AAR director of editorial services Tom White told Logistics Management that these figures reflect certain sectors where the U.S. economy has slowed, such as the housing and automotive industries.

“These numbers more than anything confirm slowdowns in specific markets more than anything else,” said White. “Right now, we are still running at a record level, but there has been some slowing down since mid-year or a little bit after.”

Seven of the 19 commodities tracked by the AAR had carload increases compared to November 2005. Coal was up 4.0 percent or 27,151 carloads, and grain was up 3.2 percent or 3,943 carloads.

Lumber and wood products, whichcontinue to be affected by a slow housing market, were down 25.3 percent or 7,042 carloads, and motor vehicles and equipment were down 6.2 percent or 66,452 carloads.

Through the first eleven months of 2006, total U.S. carloads were up 1.2 percent or 184,844 carloads for a total of 16,113,749 carloads. U.S. intermodal traffic, which is comprised of trailers and containers on flat cars (and not included in carload figures) was up 5.3 percent or 572,500 trailers or containers. Total volume through November was estimated by the AAR to be 1.61 trillion ton-miles, which is up 2.7 percent from last year’s pace.