BNSF buisness is really slow for this time of the year, any other class 1 rr's slow?

Question

BNSF buisness is really slow for this time of the year, any other class 1 rr's slow?

Answer 1

I'm not sure about the other Class Is but as a whole I think the industry is off a bit from last year's mark.  Here is the latest report from RailwayAge (as of 8/16/07):

"Ton-mile volume down fractionally

RailwayAge: The Association of American Railroads reported today that total rail volume, measured in ton-miles, was down 0.6% in the week ended Aug. 11, compared with the corresponding week last year. Carload freight was off 2.2% and intermodal traffic dropped 5.1%. Heavier loads and longer hauls eased the impact on ton-miles. Reflecting the housing downturn, loadings of lumber and wood products were down 15.9% in the most recent week. Grain loadings were up 9.7%. For this year’s first 32 weeks, the AAR estimates that ton-miles were down 2.5%, carload traffic dropped 3.7%, and intermodal volume was off 1.6%. Canadian carload traffic during the week ended Aug. 11 was down 2.4% from last year and intermodal loads were up 6.4%. Kansas City Southern de Mexico reported carloads down 5.6% and intermodal volume up 26%."

Answer 2

I worl for the Norfolk Southern and our business is good but could be a lot better. Our car loading are way down on lumber and automobiles. Our coal is what is keeping our numbers up. If the economy doesn't turn around soon I believe our profits will soon reflect it.

Answer 3

UP posted net earnings of $386 million for the first quarter of 2007.  This paid a dividend of $1.41 per diluted share.  This was up from $311 million net earnings from the corresponding period of 2006.

Even if down 10% across the board for the current quarter, we're still talikin' $348 million.  

What is the definition of "slow?"

Answer 4

what??? lol