(RailAmerica issued the following news release on October 13.)
BOCA RATON, Fla. — RailAmerica, Inc. today reported its freight carloads (including intermodal units) for September 2003.
Consolidated Carloads
Consolidated carloads for September 2003 increased 0.4% to 118,299, from 117,885 in September 2002. Year-to-date through September 30, 2003, total carloads were 1,059,518, down 1.0% from 1,070,656 in 2002. Both month and year-to-date 2003 consolidated carloads continue to be significantly impacted by the Australian drought.
North American Carloads
Total North American carloads for September 2003 were 94,892, up 3.8% from 91,440 in September 2002. On a “same railroad” basis, September 2003 carloads increased 1.0% to 92,310, from 91,440 in 2002. For the month of September, double digit increases in metallic/non-metallic ores, petroleum products, metals, lumber & forest products, and coal were partially offset by lower auto and intermodal traffic. Year-to-date through September 30, 2003, total North American carloads were 840,151, up 1.8% from 825,247 in 2002. On a “same railroad” basis, year-to-date carloads increased 1.0% to 829,818, from 821,237 in 2002. “Same railroad” totals exclude carloads associated with railroads, or portions of railroads, sold or acquired by the Company after January 1, 2002.
International Carloads
For September 2003, international carloads were 23,407, down 11.5% from 26,445 in September 2002. For the month, traffic in Chile was up 6.0% due to increased metallic/non-metallic ores and petroleum carloads, while Australia traffic was down 22.4% due to the severe drought affecting grain shipments. Australia’s September 2003 agricultural shipments were 2,659 carloads, 53.0% lower than the 5,655 carloads in September 2002. Year-to-date through September 30, 2003, total international carloads were 219,367, down 10.6% from 245,409 in 2002.
Historically, the Company has found that carload information may be indicative of freight revenues on its railroads, but may not be indicative of total revenues, operating expenses, operating income or net income. Attached is a comparison of consolidated and segment carloads by commodity group for the month and year-to-date ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.
RailAmerica, Inc. (NYSE:RRA) is the world’s largest short line and regional railroad operator with 50 railroads operating approximately 17,700 miles in the United States, Canada, Australia, Chile and Argentina, including track access arrangements. The Company is a member of the Russell 2000(R) Index. Its website may be found at http://www.railamerica.com.