The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported total 2016 figures on Jan. 4, 2017:
Total U.S. carload traffic for 2016 was 13,096,860 carloads, down 8.2% or 1,169,152 carloads, while intermodal containers and trailers were 13,490,491 units, down 1.6% or 220,171 containers and trailers when compared to 2015. In 2016, total rail traffic volume in the United States was 26,587,351 carloads and intermodal units, down 5% or 1,389,323 carloads and intermodal units from the same point last year.
"Last year was challenging for freight railroads," said AAR Senior Vice President of Policy and Economics John T. Gray. "Rail carloads were down for the second consecutive year, due mainly to a weak manufacturing economy and turmoil in energy markets, while intermodal failed to set its fourth straight annual record. That said, there are signs that the economy may be gradually returning to a period of growth."