Rail Cargo Volumes Predicted to Drop Heavily

"A budget based on customer feedback projects a drop in the transport of petroleum and related products, and a continuing decline in oil shale shipments," CEO Ahto Altjõe said in a press release today.

Last year, petroleum and related products made up the largest cargo group, accounting for 7.6 million tons. Transport of oil shale dropped by 28 percent to 3.5 million tons, while shipment of fertilizer increased 27 percent to 3.1 million tons.

Transit accounted for 66 percent of cargo, a 13.6 percent annual increase. Local freight decreased by 25 percent to 22 percent of all shipments.

Imports made up 1.43 million tons, growing 9.7 percent, and exports were at 0.77 million tons, growing 13.1 percent.

Transport of container cargo swelled by 49 percent to 49,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.