What is the current trend in North American chemical rail traffic compared to March levels and seasonal norms?

North American chemical rail traffic continues to recede from the March surge toward more seasonally typical levels; for the week ended May 30, the four-week moving average (4wma) stood at 49,268 carloads—down 0.9% sequentially, up 2.5% year over year, and still 6.7% above the 2016–25 seasonal trendline, though the premium over that trendline has declined steadily since peaking at 8.4% the week ending May 2.

How do U.S., Canadian, and Mexican chemical railcar volumes compare year-over-year and relative to their respective seasonal trendlines as of the latest four-week moving average?

As of the latest four-week moving average: U.S. volume was 33,593 carloads (down 2.0% sequentially, up 1.1% year over year, and 4.1% above its seasonal trendline); Canada was 14,923 carloads (up 1.7% sequentially, up 5.0% year over year, and 16.1% above its trendline); Mexico was 752 carloads (down 2.3% sequentially, down 23.0% year over year, and 26.3% below its trendline).

North America Weekly Chemical Rail Traffic Continues to Recede from March Surge

Jun 4, 2026

North American chemical rail traffic is retreating from March peaks toward seasonal levels per Association of American Railroads data. Year-to-date volumes remain positive at 3.9%, though regional trends vary between the US, Canada, and Mexico.

chemweek

North American Chemical Rail Traffic Recedes from March Surge

chemweek

2026-05-02

Vital stats: Friday, May 1, 2026

2026-05-09

Vital Stats: Friday, May 8, 2026

2026-05-15

North America Weekly Chemical Rail Stabilizes Below March Peak

2026-05-21

North America Weekly Chemical Rail Shows Signs of Softening