US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

U.S. rail freight volume increased by 2% in September, while intermodal traffic decreased by 7.3%. Overall, North America experienced a decline. Addressing this requires increased investment, collaboration with port railways, attracting talent, and technological innovation to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the rail freight and intermodal sectors. These measures are crucial for strengthening the supply chain and ensuring its resilience in the face of fluctuating demand and evolving market conditions.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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North American Heavyduty Truck Orders Jump in February

North American Heavyduty Truck Orders Jump in February

North American Class 8 heavy-duty truck orders saw a counter-trend increase in February, ending a period of decline. Key drivers include fleet renewal, rebounding freight capacity, and easing chip shortages. While macroeconomic risks remain a concern, industry confidence is returning, and technological innovation is accelerating. This positive trend suggests a potential shift in the heavy-duty truck market, but careful monitoring of economic conditions is crucial.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Freight Logistics Faces Challenges and Opportunities Alixpartners

Freight Logistics Faces Challenges and Opportunities Alixpartners

AlixPartners' Marc Iampieri provides an in-depth analysis of key factors impacting freight logistics, including peak seasons, consumer preference for home delivery, port labor conditions, interest rate policies, rate pricing, and tariffs. He highlights the importance of supply chain visibility, demand forecasting, risk management, digital transformation, and sustainability. Iampieri also looks ahead to the impact of technological innovation, evolving consumer expectations, and geopolitical events on the industry's future.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Retail Sales Growth Slows in May Amid Consumer Spending Concerns

US Retail Sales Growth Slows in May Amid Consumer Spending Concerns

US retail sales edged down 0.3% month-over-month in May, but remained up 8.1% year-over-year. The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s core retail sales, excluding automobiles, were flat month-over-month and up 6.7% year-over-year. The data indicates a slowdown in retail growth, but the overall consumer trend remains upward. It is necessary to pay attention to the impact of future policies and economic conditions.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Trucking Hours Reform Delayed Amid Democratic Pushback

US Trucking Hours Reform Delayed Amid Democratic Pushback

The US Hours of Service (HOS) reform for truck drivers, designed to improve operational efficiency and flexibility, faces potential delays due to a Democrat-led push for a 'full review.' The reform encompasses four key adjustments: break rules, sleeper berth provisions, adverse driving conditions exceptions, and expanded short-haul exemptions. The industry generally agrees that flexibility is crucial. However, political maneuvering has introduced uncertainty into the reform's implementation.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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OOCL Uses AI to Tackle Supply Chain Disruptions Boost Shipping

OOCL Uses AI to Tackle Supply Chain Disruptions Boost Shipping

OOCL partnered with Microsoft to leverage AI for optimizing shipping routes, predicting risks, reducing costs, and enhancing supply chain stability. By utilizing deep learning and reinforcement learning techniques, OOCL can make more accurate decisions and optimize container routes, avoiding disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions and other factors. This collaboration aims to provide customers with smarter, more reliable, and more efficient services through AI-powered solutions in the maritime industry.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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North American Class 8 Truck Orders Drop Sharply Amid Demand Uncertainty

North American Class 8 Truck Orders Drop Sharply Amid Demand Uncertainty

North American Class 8 truck orders plummeted in November, marking the first year-over-year decline. This drop may be attributed to front-loading of demand in previous months. The market outlook is influenced by factors such as economic conditions and oil prices. Further analysis is needed to determine the long-term impact of this order decrease and the overall health of the heavy-duty truck market in North America.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Global Carriers Adjust Holiday Weekend Shipping Schedules

Global Carriers Adjust Holiday Weekend Shipping Schedules

Do international express companies deliver on weekends and are there delays during holidays? Policies vary among companies like DHL, UPS, and FedEx. Some offer weekend services under specific conditions, potentially with surcharges. Holiday delays are common. It's recommended to plan ahead and choose the appropriate logistics solution based on your needs. Check with the specific carrier for their exact policies regarding weekend and holiday deliveries to avoid unexpected delays or fees.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Retail Sales Decline in January Amid Economic Pressures

US Retail Sales Decline in January Amid Economic Pressures

Recent data indicates a 0.4% month-over-month decrease in US retail sales for January, attributed to adverse weather conditions and post-holiday spending slowdown. To navigate these challenges and capitalize on opportunities, retailers should focus on optimizing online channels, implementing targeted marketing strategies, innovating products and services, enhancing customer experience, and flexibly adjusting inventory management. These strategies are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving consumer market.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Schneider Executive Highlights Logistics Growth Amid Industry Shifts

Schneider Executive Highlights Logistics Growth Amid Industry Shifts

Schneider National's Chief Commercial Officer, Erin Van Zeeland, discusses the current shifts in the logistics market, including overcapacity, changing consumer trends, and peak season planning challenges. She emphasizes the importance of intermodal transportation and shares Schneider's practices in technological innovation and customer needs insights. The goal is to help customers optimize their supply chains and seize new growth opportunities by navigating these dynamic market conditions and leveraging efficient transportation solutions.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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