The principal traffic was always nitrate, after which came fuel, passengers, perishables, parcels, general merchandise, and livestock. Water for the steam locomotives and the town relied on two wells at Dolores (see map),  from Pisagua, which today still derives its water from this source.
Nitrate was the primary item transported, with fuel, travelers, perishable items, packages, general merchandise, and animals following in order of importance. The town's steam locomotives and residents relied on two wells at Dolores for their water supply, which originated from Pisagua.