The latest rail traffic data is in, and it paints a surprising picture of economic recovery. The Freight Rail Index has reached its second-highest level since 2008, indicating a significant rebound in the industrial sector. We break down the North American carload and intermodal numbers, highlighting key growth areas and shifts in freight patterns, including a notable 4.7% increase in US carload traffic when excluding coal. This trend suggests a broader economic expansion beyond just data centers. Discover what these figures mean for the future of manufacturing and logistics. North American rail traffic rose 3.6% in Week 31, with carloads up 3.9% and intermodal up 3.3%, according to Association of American Railroads data — and a broader monthly snapshot shows the industry’s Freight Rail Index, which measures seasonally adjusted volume excluding coal and grain, has now climbed to its highest level since 2008 after four consecutive months of gains. The figures matter to carriers, brokers, and shippers because rail volume grew faster than overall GDP during the period — a milestone that, according to Bill Stephens, hasn’t been seen since before the Great Recession. “Rail traffic grew faster than overall GDP,” Stephens said. “We haven’t seen that in a long time.” Stripping out coal, the numbers look even stronger. U.S. carload volume excluding coal was up 4.7% for Week 31, well ahead of the flat volumes recorded over the prior four weeks. July carload traffic, also excluding coal, was up 3.2%, while intermodal set a record for the month of July and posted a 6.1% year-over-year gain — its sixth consecutive month of growth, and the seventh straight month of overall carload expansion. “Manufacturing and rail activity are moving along together. The manufacturing is expanding at a pace not seen in several years, which underscores the close link between factory