US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

Recent data reveals a mixed picture for the US rail freight market. While carload volume experienced a slight year-over-year decrease, shipments of chemicals, automobiles & parts, and grain performed strongly. Intermodal transportation showed robust growth, serving as a key driver for the market's expansion. Year-to-date figures further confirm this trend, indicating a transitional period for the rail freight market. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and seize emerging opportunities. Intermodal's strength suggests a shift in freight patterns and highlights its growing importance in the supply chain.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in May As Coal Petroleum Demand Wanes

US Rail Freight Declines in May As Coal Petroleum Demand Wanes

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a decline in both U.S. rail carloads and intermodal units for the week ending May 21. Significant decreases were observed in coal and petroleum products shipments, while miscellaneous carloads, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicles & parts saw increases. The article analyzes the multiple factors contributing to the freight volume decline, including economic slowdown and shifting consumer demand. It suggests strategies such as diversifying business operations, improving service quality, and embracing technological innovation to address the challenges and maintain competitiveness in the rail freight industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Surge Points to Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Surge Points to Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending July 24th. Significant growth was seen in the transportation of coal and metallic ores, while volumes of motor vehicles & parts and farm products declined. The substantial increase in cumulative freight volume over the first 29 weeks of 2021 indicates that rail transportation is playing a vital role in the U.S. economic recovery. Total carloads and intermodal units reflect a positive trend in freight activity.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending August 26th, U.S. rail carloads and intermodal units both declined year-over-year. Carload traffic increased for motor vehicles & parts, petroleum products, and nonmetallic minerals, but decreased significantly for coal and grain. Cumulative data for the first 34 weeks of the year indicates a slight increase in carloads, but a notable decrease in intermodal volume. The decline in rail freight suggests a potential economic slowdown, requiring businesses to adapt and be flexible in their supply chain management.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Newark Port A Comprehensive Overview of a Trade Hub on the US East Coast

Newark Port A Comprehensive Overview of a Trade Hub on the US East Coast

Newark Port serves as a major automotive and timber import hub on the East Coast of the United States, boasting a strategic location that links New York with international markets. It is not only an industrial center for Delaware but also plays a significant role in the economic development of the U.S. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the geographic, economic, and historical background of Newark Port.

07/24/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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UPS Expands Global Freight Service to Enhance Trade

UPS Expands Global Freight Service to Enhance Trade

UPS Worldwide Express Freight service expands to nine new countries, reaching 66 origins and 64 destinations. Designed for urgent, time-sensitive, and high-value international heavy shipments, this service offers faster transit times, enhanced visibility, and improved reliability. It helps businesses optimize their supply chains and seize opportunities in international markets. Industries such as healthcare, retail, and automotive have already benefited from this service, experiencing significant growth in international freight volume.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Mexico Weighs Tariffs on Chinese Imports Impacting Businesses

Mexico Weighs Tariffs on Chinese Imports Impacting Businesses

Mexico's Congress has passed a new tariff bill proposing additional tariffs of 10%-50% on goods from Asian countries, including China, impacting 17 sectors like automotive and textiles. The move aims to protect domestic industries, balance the trade deficit, increase fiscal revenue, and align with US policies. Chinese companies should closely monitor policy developments and consider strategies such as localizing production and adjusting supply chains to mitigate the impact.

01/23/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Usmexico Border Shutdown Threatens Supply Chains Businesses Warn

Usmexico Border Shutdown Threatens Supply Chains Businesses Warn

Closing the US-Mexico border would severely impact supply chains, particularly affecting the automotive, railway, and retail sectors. Businesses should conduct risk assessments, diversify their supply chains, optimize inventory management, strengthen communication with government and partners, and leverage technology to mitigate potential economic losses. These proactive measures are crucial for navigating the uncertainties and ensuring business continuity in the face of potential border closures and related trade disruptions.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Expands Global Express Freight to Boost Supply Chains

UPS Expands Global Express Freight to Boost Supply Chains

UPS introduces its International Heavyweight Air Freight service, offering enhanced speed and reliability while simplifying processes. This service targets industries such as industrial manufacturing and automotive, aiming to facilitate global trade by providing faster and more dependable transportation for heavy goods. The new service is designed to accelerate supply chains and improve overall efficiency for businesses engaged in international commerce, leveraging UPS's extensive global network and expertise in air freight logistics.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

For the week ending August 27th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.4% year-over-year, with coal, grain, and automotive sectors leading the growth. Intermodal container and trailer traffic saw a slight decrease of 0.3% compared to the same period last year. Businesses should closely monitor market trends, optimize supply chain management, diversify transportation modes, embrace technological innovation, and strengthen risk management to seize opportunities and address challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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