RailAmerica has reported consolidated carloads up 13 percent for April, while same-railroad carloads - those not including purchases or sales - increased 8 percent.

Biggest gains for the company that has said it will work to cut its international operations were abroad.

The short line and regional railroad operator reported 121,324 consolidated carloads in April, up from 107,360 in April 2003. Same-railroad carloads reached 115,992 in April, up from 107,325 in the year-ago period.

For its year-to-date figures, RailAmerica reported identical percentage increases to the monthly figures.

For the year through April 30, RailAmerica said its total carloads were up 13 percent to 477,628, from 422,988 in 2003. On a same-railroad basis, the 8 percent increase was to 457,716, from 422,692 in 2003.

For North America, the company reported moving 102,035 carloads in April, up 8 percent from 94,636 carloads in April 2003. On a same-railroad basis, North American, April carloads increased 2 percent to 96,703, from 94,601 in 2003.

"For the month of April, increases in chemical and agricultural and farm products were partially offset by lower bridge traffic and shipments of coal products," the company said of its North American numbers.

Year-to-date through April 30, RailAmerica reported total North American carloads up 9 percent to 403,576, from 370,116 in 2003. On a same-railroad basis, year-to-date carloads were up 4 percent to 383,664, from 369,820 in 2003.

But the biggest increases came overseas.

In Australia, RailAmerica reported April carloads up 52 percent to 19,289, from 12,724 in April 2003.

Shipments of Australian agricultural and farm products more than doubled to 8,072 from 2,757, which RailAmerica said reflects the impact of a strong grain harvest.

Year-to-date through April 30, the company said its total Australian carloads were up 40 percent to 74,052, from 52,872 in 2003.