North American Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

North American Rail Freight Gains Carloads but Loses Intermodal Traffic

Recent data reveals a mixed picture for the US rail freight market. Carload traffic shows a slight increase, but performance varies across commodity groups. Intermodal volume, however, has declined. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth, but the industry faces challenges including economic downturn and increased competition. Rail companies need to actively transform and upgrade their operations to navigate these headwinds and maintain competitiveness.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

North American Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

Recent data shows a slight increase in U.S. railcar loadings, but a significant decline in intermodal traffic. Changes in commodity shipment volumes reflect economic restructuring, while supply chain bottlenecks and labor shortages remain challenges. Although year-to-date figures show growth, the risk of a future economic recession warrants caution. Businesses should be flexible, and government and industry associations need to strengthen cooperation to promote the sustainable development of the rail freight market. Monitoring these indicators is crucial for understanding the broader economic landscape and adapting to evolving market conditions.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Expected

US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Expected

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes decreased year-over-year in the first week of September, potentially due to Labor Day. However, year-to-date figures still indicate growth, with varying performance across different market segments. Rail freight faces challenges such as economic uncertainty and infrastructure bottlenecks, but also opportunities from e-commerce growth and manufacturing reshoring. Long-term, it's crucial to monitor trends and structural changes impacting the industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Dips Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Strong

US Rail Freight Dips Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Strong

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume declined year-over-year in the first week of September, influenced by Labor Day. The performance of specific commodity types varied, reflecting economic structural changes. Year-to-date cumulative data still shows growth, indicating a positive long-term outlook. Railroad companies need to address supply chain challenges and competition to seize development opportunities.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Dips Over Labor Day YTD Growth Holds

US Rail Freight Dips Over Labor Day YTD Growth Holds

According to the Association of American Railroads data, U.S. rail freight traffic declined in the week ending September 6, influenced by Labor Day. Carload and intermodal volumes both decreased year-over-year. Despite the weak single-week performance, cumulative volumes for the year remain positive. Future development is subject to multiple factors, including economic conditions, policy changes, and internal reforms within the rail industry.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Outlook Steady

US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Outlook Steady

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending September 6, potentially due to the Labor Day holiday. Performance varied across different commodity categories, with year-to-date volumes for both freight and intermodal still showing growth. Future trends will be influenced by a multitude of factors including the macroeconomy, energy transition, supply chain restructuring, and infrastructure investments.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results As Carloads Intermodal Dip

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results As Carloads Intermodal Dip

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending October 25th, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 0.9% year-over-year, and intermodal traffic declined by 6.1%. Despite recent weakness, year-to-date carload and intermodal volumes are up 9.1% and 3.0% respectively, indicating a positive long-term trend. Looking ahead, the rail freight market faces challenges such as economic uncertainty and labor shortages, but also opportunities including infrastructure investments and a focus on sustainable development.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

Recent US rail freight data reveals a significant increase in container traffic driven by e-commerce growth. However, demand for traditional commodities like coal continues to decline, leading to a divergence in overall freight volumes. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume remains lower than last year. Railway companies are actively pursuing diversification and intelligent transformation strategies to address these challenges. The shift reflects broader trends in energy consumption and the evolving landscape of the transportation sector, requiring adaptation and innovation for sustained growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

The DAT report indicates a month-over-month decrease in spot truckload freight volume for September, but a significant year-over-year increase. Seasonal factors, new Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and driver shortages are key factors influencing the market. Shippers and carriers need to strengthen collaboration to address these challenges and ensure supply chain stability. This collaboration is crucial for navigating the complexities of the current freight environment and maintaining efficient operations amidst fluctuating demand and evolving regulations.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Freight Firms Adapt Strategies As Inflation Ecommerce Strain Supply Chains

Freight Firms Adapt Strategies As Inflation Ecommerce Strain Supply Chains

Ascend CEO McLary shared the company's strategy and outlook on the freight market in a podcast, emphasizing technological innovation and collaboration to address challenges such as inflation. He highlighted the importance of adapting to evolving market dynamics and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and resilience within the supply chain. McLary's insights offer valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of the current freight landscape and building a sustainable future for the industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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