US Rail Freight Carloads Drop As Containers Rebound in January

US Rail Freight Carloads Drop As Containers Rebound in January

US rail freight performance diverged in late January: carload traffic declined, while container traffic increased. This divergence is influenced by multiple factors, including macroeconomic conditions. The decrease in carload traffic suggests a potential slowdown in certain sectors, while the growth in container traffic may reflect increased demand for consumer goods and international trade. Overall, the mixed performance highlights the complex interplay of economic forces affecting the rail freight industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 8th, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 8.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 2.5%. These figures reflect the ongoing structural adjustments within the U.S. economy, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the global supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Demand Carloads Rise Intermodal Slows

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Demand Carloads Rise Intermodal Slows

For the week ending January 14th, U.S. rail freight carload traffic increased by 4.2%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 7%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up 2.9%, and intermodal traffic is down 9.2%. This suggests a potential shift in freight transportation preferences or underlying economic factors affecting different modes of transport. The diverging trends between carload and intermodal volumes warrant further investigation to understand the driving forces behind these changes.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Ebay Sellers Face Fee Challenges Cost Management Tips

Ebay Sellers Face Fee Challenges Cost Management Tips

This article provides a detailed explanation of eBay store's various fees, including store subscription fees, listing fees, final value fees, and withdrawal fees. It also proposes targeted cost optimization strategies to help sellers clearly understand eBay operating costs and improve store profitability. The aim is to empower sellers with knowledge to manage expenses effectively and ultimately boost their earnings on the eBay platform.

01/04/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Top Ecommerce Niches and Strategies for Independent Retailers

Top Ecommerce Niches and Strategies for Independent Retailers

Product selection is crucial for independent store success. This article provides selection methods and, based on market trends, predicts nine potential trending product categories, including health & wellness, fashion, baby & maternity, and pets. It offers independent store sellers product selection references and marketing strategies to capitalize on these opportunities. Identifying these emerging trends can provide a competitive edge and maximize profitability.

12/31/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Amazon Sellers Use Order Numbers to Analyze Competitors

Amazon Sellers Use Order Numbers to Analyze Competitors

This article reveals how to use an Amazon order number to reverse-track competitor ASINs and store information. By entering the order number in the "Report a Violation of Product Listing" section of Seller Central, you can find the corresponding ASIN and product title. This allows you to locate the store and analyze its operational strategies, providing valuable competitive intelligence for sellers.

12/30/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Walmart Expands Automation in Supply Chain Overhaul

Walmart Expands Automation in Supply Chain Overhaul

Walmart plans to invest heavily in Symbotic automation systems for 25 distribution centers, automating the end-to-end store replenishment process. This move aims to improve storage density, throughput, and order accuracy, while also simplifying store operations. Walmart's automation strategy reflects the retail industry's growing emphasis on supply chain efficiency and competitiveness, potentially leading the industry into a new era of automation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 3.7% year-over-year for the week ending May 21, while intermodal traffic fell by 4.5%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and metals declined. Year-to-date, freight traffic is up 0.4%, but intermodal traffic is down 6.8%. The decline in rail freight could signal an economic slowdown, requiring proactive responses from railway companies and increased investment from the government.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Auto Petroleum Up As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 7.9% year-over-year for the week ending May 9, while intermodal traffic increased by 3.8%, showing a diverging trend. Shipments of motor vehicles & parts and petroleum products increased, while coal shipments decreased significantly. Year-to-date, rail freight traffic is down 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 1.7%. Rail freight companies need to actively transform and expand their intermodal transportation business.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Social Media Drives Zerocost Growth for DTC Brands

Social Media Drives Zerocost Growth for DTC Brands

A cross-border e-commerce company achieved a surge in orders on its independent site at zero cost through social media content marketing. This case reveals a new path for DTC brands to leverage social media for low-cost traffic acquisition and brand building, emphasizing key elements such as high-quality content creation, social media promotion, and user experience optimization. It demonstrates how strategic social media engagement can drive significant results for independent e-commerce businesses without relying on paid advertising.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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