(Source: RailAmerica press release, March 7, 2012)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — RailAmerica, Inc. reported that its total freight carloads in February 2012 were 69,590, up 9.9% from 63,347 in February 2011.
The Company increased shipments in February 2012 in ten out of twelve commodity groups compared to February 2011. Carloads in February 2012 were favorably impacted by one more day (29 versus 28) compared to February 2011. The largest increases were in Agricultural Products, Motor Vehicles and Forest Products. Agricultural Products were up primarily due to more shipments in the Midwest region. Motor Vehicles increased primarily due to higher shipments in the Midwest and West regions. Forest Products were higher primarily due to increased shipments in the West, Central and Northeast regions.
The only declines in shipments were in Coal and Pulp, Paper & Allied Products. Coal declined primarily due to fewer shipments in the Central U.S. Pulp, Paper & Allied Products carloads decreased primarily due to lower shipments in the Northeast region.
February 2012 carloads include 441 carloads from the acquisition of three railroads in Alabama. On a “same railroad” basis, carloads increased 9.2%.
RailAmerica, Inc. owns and operates short-line and regional freight railroads in North America, operating a portfolio of 43 individual railroads with approximately 7,400 miles of track in 27 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces.