During the week when the impact of Hurricane Katrina was most severe, overall rail traffic showed modest gains although the localized impacts have been severe, according to information compiled from the Association of American Railroads by Atlantic Systems Inc, New York.
Union Pacific, CSX and Kansas City Southern with extensive operations in Louisiana showed year over year traffic declines.
Canadian National, the largest rail carrier in Mississippi, and Norfolk Southern were also hurt.
Chemicals shipments from Louisiana and forest products shipments from Louisiana and Mississippi were affected most by the storm.
However, it will take several weeks to get the full measure of the impact of Katrina on the railroads and the industries they serve.