US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

For the week of November 29, 2025, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed performance. Carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, driven by higher demand for coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. Intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and increased competition. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth in rail freight, but structural adjustments pose ongoing challenges. The increase in carload traffic suggests strong demand in specific commodity sectors, while the decline in intermodal volume warrants further investigation into contributing factors.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Ports Overcome Labor Issues Retailers Optimistic for Holidays

US Ports Overcome Labor Issues Retailers Optimistic for Holidays

Despite brief strikes at US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, US import volumes are projected to remain strong. Retailers' proactive stockpiling and flexible supply chain adjustments mitigated the impact of the strikes. The Port Tracker report indicates continued import growth and strong retailer confidence, anticipating sufficient supply for the holiday shopping season. A long-term agreement between labor and management is crucial to ensure supply chain stability. The ability of retailers to forecast and adapt to disruptions is a key factor in maintaining a steady flow of goods.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Hub Group Buys Forward Air Final Mile to Expand Lastmile Reach

Hub Group Buys Forward Air Final Mile to Expand Lastmile Reach

Hub Group's acquisition of Forward Air Final Mile (FAFM) aims to expand its last-mile logistics service offerings, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer experience, reshaping the last-mile landscape. Simultaneously, US ports are adapting to shifting trade flows through investments in infrastructure, data, and inland transportation capabilities. The future of last-mile logistics will be characterized by increased competition, requiring companies to continuously innovate to maintain a competitive edge. This acquisition and port adaptations highlight the dynamic nature of the logistics industry and the importance of strategic investments.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Chinaus Ocean Freight Strategies to Cut Transit Times

Chinaus Ocean Freight Strategies to Cut Transit Times

US-China ocean freight is a critical component of international trade. This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of direct and transshipment routes, as well as FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping. It reveals key factors affecting ocean shipping time, such as port congestion and customs clearance. Practical strategies are provided to help companies optimize ocean freight and improve efficiency, including selecting efficient shipping companies, avoiding peak seasons, and streamlining customs clearance processes. This aims to help businesses enhance their ocean freight operations.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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CPKC Navigates Labor Risks Shifting Imports in North American Rail Freight

CPKC Navigates Labor Risks Shifting Imports in North American Rail Freight

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the North American rail freight market, focusing on CPKC's strategic positioning and its collaboration with CSX. It examines the impact of labor relations on operations, reviews the contributions of key figures to corporate transformation, and forecasts port resilience under the reshaping of import patterns in 2025. The article emphasizes the need for companies to pay close attention to market dynamics, respond flexibly, and strengthen cooperation to adapt to future development trends. Companies must be agile to navigate the evolving landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trump Tariff Threat Could Raise US Import Costs in 2025

Trump Tariff Threat Could Raise US Import Costs in 2025

S&P Global Market Intelligence reports a surge of 8% in US imports in January 2025, with diverging performance between consumer and capital goods. This spike was driven by a confluence of factors including potential Trump administration tariff policies, port labor concerns, and the Lunar New Year. While January saw a significant increase, import growth is expected to slow in subsequent months, potentially leading to a 4.4% decrease for the full year. Businesses should closely monitor policy changes and adjust their strategies accordingly to navigate the evolving trade landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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National Maritime Day Celebrates Resilience in Global Trade

National Maritime Day Celebrates Resilience in Global Trade

On National Maritime Day, this article highlights the responsibilities and contributions of the maritime industry during the pandemic. Using the ports of San Francisco and Oakland as examples, it emphasizes the critical role of the maritime sector in global trade and its contribution to ensuring supply chain stability during the crisis. The article also explores future trends such as port intelligent upgrades, green shipping, and the protection of seafarers' rights. It calls for international cooperation to address global challenges and pays tribute to all maritime professionals for their dedication and resilience.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Supply Chains Face Dual Crisis From Hurricanes and COVID19

Supply Chains Face Dual Crisis From Hurricanes and COVID19

A joint report by Resilience360 and Riskpulse highlights the unprecedented challenges to global supply chains in 2020 due to the combined impact of the hurricane season and the COVID-19 pandemic. The report forecasts above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity and analyzes the pandemic's effects on port operations. It recommends that businesses map their supply chains, develop contingency plans, leverage technology, and enhance collaboration to improve supply chain resilience and withstand the double storm. These measures are crucial for mitigating disruptions and ensuring business continuity in the face of these compounding risks.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Avoiding FOB Pitfalls in Engineering Machinery Exports

Guide to Avoiding FOB Pitfalls in Engineering Machinery Exports

This article analyzes the critical aspects of construction machinery export under FOB terms from a data analyst's perspective. It provides an actionable checklist, emphasizing clear responsibility boundaries, selecting suitable transportation solutions, highlighting the importance of packaging evidence, negotiating transparent risk with freight forwarders, anticipating hidden charges at the port of origin, and building an auditable delivery evidence chain. The aim is to help novice foreign traders avoid first-order pitfalls and maximize profits. This analysis focuses on providing practical advice for managing risks and optimizing the export process.

02/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Hong Kong Becomes Key Transshipment Hub for Global Ecommerce

Hong Kong Becomes Key Transshipment Hub for Global Ecommerce

Hong Kong, leveraging its free port status, serves as a crucial hub for transshipping overseas personal shopping goods to mainland China. This article details the process, advantages, and precautions of Hong Kong transshipment, along with frequently asked questions, providing consumers with comprehensive background information. It covers key aspects of using Hong Kong as a transit point for cross-border e-commerce, focusing on the benefits of this route and potential challenges users might encounter. This guide aims to equip consumers with the knowledge needed for successful and informed transshipment.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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