The most recent rail traffic data by Railfax, as the following table/charts show, confirms the continuing trend that the economy is seeing no signs of real recovery.
Total US Rail Traffic
Total freight carried by US Railways — a significant indicator of domestic economic activity — remain 19.7% lower than a year earlier while total North American rail traffic is lower on a y/y basis by 21.5%.
Weekly Loaded Units 4 week rolling Averages chart and Total Industry Charts (US, Canada and Mexico) y/y % change – 13 week Rolling Averages Chart
Bottom line: rail traffic continues to slump.
Graphs: Railfax
