US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US rail freight traffic increased by 1.4% in April, driven by coal, automobiles, and chemical products. Intermodal volume decreased by 3.1%, with a cumulative decrease of 6.6% since the beginning of the year. It is necessary to pay attention to market changes and respond to challenges. The increase in rail freight suggests positive economic activity in those sectors, while the decline in intermodal volume warrants further investigation to understand the underlying causes and potential impact on the overall economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Chemical Gains Grain Drops in March

US Rail Freight Sees Chemical Gains Grain Drops in March

According to data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), U.S. rail freight in March showed a mixed picture. Chemical shipments saw a significant increase, while grain and petroleum shipments declined. Intermodal traffic remained sluggish. An AAR executive stated that the economic direction is unclear, and uncertainty persists. Railway companies need to pay close attention to economic trends and seize market opportunities. Overall, the rail freight data reflects the current ambiguity and volatility within the broader economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Biden Panel Moves to Prevent Rail Strike Supply Chain Disruption

Biden Panel Moves to Prevent Rail Strike Supply Chain Disruption

The U.S. Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) issued recommendations to resolve the labor dispute between railroad companies and unions, aiming to prevent supply chain disruptions. The recommendations include wage increases, improved benefits, and contract re-bidding. Both parties must reach an agreement by September 16th to avoid a potential strike that could significantly impact the U.S. economy. Failure to reach an agreement poses a risk of widespread economic consequences due to the vital role railroads play in freight transport.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Declining Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Declining Container Volumes

Recent US rail freight data reveals a slight increase in traditional carload traffic, primarily driven by coal, grain, and automotive shipments. However, container and trailer volumes experienced a minor decline, potentially reflecting a global trade slowdown and supply chain issues. Year-to-date figures further confirm this trend, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the US economy, but with lingering risks. The mixed performance highlights the complex interplay of domestic demand and international trade impacting the rail sector.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Congress Averts US Rail Strike Resolves Labor Dispute

Congress Averts US Rail Strike Resolves Labor Dispute

The US railway system faces a potential strike as labor and management remain deadlocked over sick leave and scheduling issues. The Association of American Railroads is urging Congress to intervene to prevent disruptions to energy, agriculture, and retail sectors. This article analyzes the potential economic impact of a strike, emphasizing the need for congressional intervention and collaborative efforts from all parties to find a resolution. A strike could severely impact supply chains and the broader economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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FTR Cuts 2025 Economic Freight Outlook Amid Tariff Concerns

FTR Cuts 2025 Economic Freight Outlook Amid Tariff Concerns

An FTR report indicates that tariff policies are negatively impacting the US freight market, leading to decreased industrial demand and downward revisions in freight volume forecasts. The report predicts slower GDP growth and rising unemployment. It advises companies to closely monitor policy changes, optimize operations, and embrace technological innovation to navigate these challenges. The tariffs are exacerbating an already slowing economy and creating uncertainty within the freight sector. Businesses must be proactive to mitigate potential losses.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Home Sales Drop Sharply in December Amid Cooling Market

US Home Sales Drop Sharply in December Amid Cooling Market

US pending home sales plummeted in December, signaling significant headwinds for the housing market. Simultaneously, construction spending reports show growth in residential and infrastructure sectors, offering a glimmer of hope for the economy. Weakness in manufacturing capital expenditure raises concerns, making sustained infrastructure investment crucial. The construction industry needs structural adjustments to seize new growth opportunities. The housing market decline and manufacturing weakness suggest a potential economic slowdown, while infrastructure spending could be a mitigating factor.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Faces Freight Recession Amid Market Shifts

Trucking Industry Faces Freight Recession Amid Market Shifts

TranzAct Technologies expert Mike Regan provides an in-depth analysis of the current freight economy, the trucking market, shipper-carrier relationships, and the 2024 peak season. He offers strategic advice for businesses navigating the freight recession, including optimizing the supply chain, strengthening data analytics, flexibly adjusting capacity, enhancing risk management, and investing in technological innovation. These strategies aim to help companies mitigate the impact of the downturn and position themselves for future growth when the market recovers.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Service Sector Growth Cools in May Amid Employment Concerns

US Service Sector Growth Cools in May Amid Employment Concerns

The US Services PMI for May indicates a slowdown in growth, though the sector remains in expansion. Key concerns include a contraction in employment indicators and an accumulation of inventories. Experts suggest an uncertain economic outlook, but the resilience of the service sector provides support. Attention should be paid to inflation, the labor market, and adjustments in business inventories. The slowing growth coupled with inventory issues suggests potential headwinds for the broader economy despite the sector's continued expansion.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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E2open CEO Advocates Resilient Supply Chains Amid Logistics Shifts

E2open CEO Advocates Resilient Supply Chains Amid Logistics Shifts

In an interview, E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzed the current freight economy, the impact of declining imports on US ports, and emphasized the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. E2open is dedicated to helping companies build more resilient supply chains to address market challenges through its connected supply chain software platform. The platform aims to improve visibility and collaboration across the supply chain, enabling businesses to proactively manage disruptions and optimize their operations in a dynamic global environment.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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