US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Yearend Logistics Worries

US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Yearend Logistics Worries

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending December 15th, with varying performance across commodity categories. Year-to-date figures remain positive, but growth is slowing. Businesses need to refine operations, diversify services, and embrace digitalization to address challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable development in the face of potential economic headwinds. The data suggests a need for strategic adaptation within the rail freight and broader logistics sector.

12/19/2025 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows a short-term year-over-year decline in rail freight and intermodal volumes, but cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. Performance varies across market segments, with significant potential in intermodal transportation. Rail freight faces challenges like truck competition and labor shortages, but also benefits from economic growth and technological innovation. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand services, embracing change to achieve sustainable growth.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

US STB Extends Comment Period on Rail Switching Proposal

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the comment deadline for its “Reciprocal Switching” proposal, which aims to provide poorly served freight rail shippers with the option to access other rail carriers. The new proposal establishes three key performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service. It also requires Class I railroads to provide historical data on service metrics. Industry response to the proposal has been mixed, but there's general agreement that it's intended to improve the quality of rail service.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Global Supply Chains Stabilize As Trade Volatility Eases

Global Supply Chains Stabilize As Trade Volatility Eases

Descartes' latest global shipping report indicates seasonal growth in U.S. imports, improved port efficiency, and signs of supply chain normalization. The West Coast ports' share is decreasing, while the East Coast is rising. Import growth in China is slowing but remains dominant. Experts believe the supply chain is stabilizing, but labor issues and geopolitical risks persist and require continuous monitoring. The report highlights shifts in port dominance and emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance despite positive trends in supply chain performance.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Giants Focus on Lastmile Delivery Strategies

Ecommerce Giants Focus on Lastmile Delivery Strategies

This webinar focuses on the "last mile" delivery in the e-commerce era's supply chain. It explores best practices, building outsourced service provider networks, the impact of service provider performance on brand reputation, and how to meet customers' extremely high expectations. Industry experts will share their experiences to help businesses stand out in the fierce market competition and win the "last mile" race. Learn strategies to optimize your final delivery stage and enhance customer satisfaction in the demanding e-commerce landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Aviation Industry Faces Profitability Crisis Amid Value Chain Imbalance

Aviation Industry Faces Profitability Crisis Amid Value Chain Imbalance

IATA and McKinsey research reveals an imbalanced profit distribution within the aviation value chain, with airline financial performance generally falling short of expectations, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic. The report emphasizes the need for stronger regulation of monopolistic suppliers and the promotion of collaboration in data sharing and decarbonization. These measures are crucial for achieving sustainable industry development and a fairer allocation of benefits across the entire value chain, ultimately improving the long-term viability and profitability of airlines.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Schneider Logistics Exits US China Freight Forwarding to Refocus Strategy

Schneider Logistics Exits US China Freight Forwarding to Refocus Strategy

Schneider Logistics' sale of its freight forwarding and customs brokerage businesses in the US and China to Norbert Dentressangle signals a strategic shift towards its core trucking, logistics, and intermodal services. This move aims to optimize resource allocation, enhance profitability, and reduce operational risks. Industry analysts view this as a strategic retrenchment by Schneider Logistics, focusing on its areas of strength while continuing to serve customers through collaborative partnerships. This allows Schneider to concentrate on its core competencies and improve overall business performance.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics Providers

Quest for Quality Awards Honor Top Logistics Providers

The Logistics Management magazine's Quest for Quality (Q4Q) Awards are considered the 'gold standard' for service excellence in the logistics industry. Based on rigorous shipper surveys, the awards evaluate carriers on key performance indicators like on-time delivery, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment & operations. The 2025 Q4Q Awards recognized 160 outstanding carriers and service providers, offering shippers a valuable benchmark for selecting reliable logistics partners. This recognition provides important insights for shippers seeking dependable and high-quality logistics solutions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Blue Yonder Acquires Vortex Connect to Boost Workforce Management

Blue Yonder Acquires Vortex Connect to Boost Workforce Management

RedPrairie acquired Vortex Connect, integrating mobile technology to optimize workforce management and enhance communication and operational efficiency. This acquisition allows RedPrairie to leverage Vortex Connect's mobile capabilities to provide real-time visibility and control over field operations. The integration aims to improve productivity, reduce costs, and streamline workflows by connecting mobile workers with the enterprise. Ultimately, this strategic move strengthens RedPrairie's position in the market by offering a more comprehensive and integrated solution for managing a mobile workforce and improving overall business performance.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Data Analysis Highlights Santa Vitria Do Palmar Airports Potential

Data Analysis Highlights Santa Vitria Do Palmar Airports Potential

This paper provides a data analyst's perspective on key information regarding São Vitória do Palmar Airport (CTQ/SSVP), including its airport code and geographical coordinates. It proposes further analysis directions, such as throughput analysis and transportation network evaluation, aiming to provide data-driven decision support for the airport's future development. The analysis focuses on leveraging available data to understand airport performance and identify areas for improvement, ultimately contributing to more efficient and strategic planning for the airport's growth and operations.

01/20/2026 Airport Codes
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