by Calculated Risk on 6/07/2013 04:57:00 PM

From the Association of American Railroads (AAR): AAR Reports Increased Rail Traffic for May, and Week Ending June 1

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported that total U.S. rail traffic increased for the month of May 2013 as well as for the week ending June 1, 2013. May 2013 saw the first year-over-year monthly total carload increase in 16 months, and the 42nd straight monthly increase in intermodal traffic.

Intermodal traffic in May totaled 1,214,116 containers and trailers, up 3 percent (35,790 units) compared with May 2012. The weekly average of 242,823 units for May was the highest weekly intermodal average for any May in history. Carloads originated in May totaled 1,401,584, up 0.7 percent (9,551 carloads) compared with the same month last year.
...
“The economy is still not firing on all cylinders, and rail traffic in May reflects that,” said AAR Senior Vice President of Policy and Economics John Gray. “Pockets of rail traffic growth, such as autos, nonmetallic minerals, and commodities related to crude oil extraction are being countered by continued weakness in steel-related commodities, paper, and grain, among others.
emphasis added

Click on graph for larger image.

This graph from the Rail Time Indicators report shows U.S. average weekly rail carloads (NSA).  Green is 2013.

Total U.S. rail carloads rose 0.7% (9,551 carloads) in May 2013 over May 2012 to 1,401,584 carloads, their first year-over-year monthly increase in 16 months. U.S. rail carloads averaged 280,317 per week in May 2013, up from 277,181 in April 2013 and 278,407 in May 2012 ...

Once again, petroleum and petroleum products led the way — their carloads on U.S. railroads were up 42% (20,837 carloads) in May 2013 over May 2012. ...

U.S. rail carloads of lumber and wood products fell 1.8% (288 carloads) in May 2013, just their second year-over-year decline since 2009.

Note that lumber was a little weaker than a year ago - a rare year-over-year decline.

Graphs and excerpts reprinted with permission.

The second graph is for intermodal traffic (using intermodal or shipping containers):

Intermodal traffic is on track for a record year in 2013.

Year-to-date intermodal volume on U.S. railroads through May was 5,261,051 units, up 4.1% (207,236 units) over the same period in 2012.

Earlier on the employment report:
• May Employment Report: 175,000 Jobs, 7.6% Unemployment Rate
• Employment Report Comments and more Graphs