US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in the first two weeks of January was mixed. Intermodal traffic increased by 11.6% year-over-year, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Traditional carloads decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, with a significant decline in coal shipments, reflecting the energy transition. Rail operators need to adjust their strategies and pay attention to market changes. Policymakers should support railway infrastructure development to promote intermodal transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Import Surge Strains Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

US Import Surge Strains Supply Chains Ahead of Holidays

Panjiva data indicates strong US imports continued in February, but port congestion, stimulus policies, and holiday season demand create uncertainty. Retailers need to monitor market dynamics, adapt flexibly, address supply chain challenges, and seize opportunities. The sustained import strength is tempered by ongoing logistical bottlenecks and economic factors that could impact future performance. Companies must remain vigilant and proactive to navigate the evolving landscape and maintain a competitive edge in the market. Understanding these complexities is crucial for effective planning and decision-making.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Ports Tackle Supply Chain Woes Amid Infrastructure Bill

US Ports Tackle Supply Chain Woes Amid Infrastructure Bill

In the LM podcast, the American Association of Port Authorities' President, Connor, delves into the opportunities and challenges facing US ports and the impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He emphasizes the bill's role in modernizing ports, shares lessons learned during the pandemic, and analyzes issues like port congestion and container shortages. Connor's insights provide a valuable perspective on the future development of US ports.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Ports Boost Storm Resilience to Safeguard Supply Chains

US Ports Boost Storm Resilience to Safeguard Supply Chains

Ports are increasingly vulnerable due to the growing frequency of extreme weather events. This paper analyzes the impacts of hurricanes like Sandy and Katrina on ports and supply chains, comparing the responses of the Port of New York and New Jersey with the Port of Los Angeles to highlight the disparities in climate resilience efforts among US ports. It emphasizes the importance of inter-port collaboration and calls for stronger federal guidance and incentives to collectively address the risks posed by climate change, ensuring the smooth flow of global trade.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Retail Sales Rebound Annually Despite Minor Monthly Decline

US Retail Sales Rebound Annually Despite Minor Monthly Decline

US retail sales in May showed a significant year-over-year increase, with a slight month-over-month decrease, but the long-term growth trend remains solid. The apparel sector rebounded strongly, and the restaurant industry continued its recovery. The NRF revised its full-year retail sales growth forecast upwards. Experts emphasize the importance of long-term trends over short-term fluctuations. Data analysts should delve deeper into the data to uncover valuable insights and provide retailers with actionable recommendations. This analysis is crucial for understanding the ongoing economic recovery and its impact on the retail landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Retail Sales Jump in March Amid Economic Recovery

US Retail Sales Jump in March Amid Economic Recovery

U.S. retail sales surged in March, fueled by stimulus checks, vaccinations, and improved employment. The NRF projects strong sales growth for the year. Experts believe the retail sector's recovery is well underway, but caution against potential risks to ensure continued healthy development. The boost in spending indicates a positive trend for the overall economy, but sustained growth will depend on managing inflation and addressing supply chain challenges. Monitoring consumer confidence and spending habits will be crucial in the coming months.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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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US Trucking Demand Slows in July Amid Seasonal Downturn

US Trucking Demand Slows in July Amid Seasonal Downturn

The US trucking market experienced a decline in both freight volume and rates in July, influenced by seasonal factors and rising fuel prices. Experts interpret this as a typical off-season adjustment, anticipating a rebound during the peak season. The report details data for various freight types, including dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed, and highlights the gap between contract and spot rates. This provides market participants with valuable insights for informed decision-making. The decline is considered temporary and a natural part of the market cycle.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing PMI Hits Near Sixyear High Amid Expansion

US Manufacturing PMI Hits Near Sixyear High Amid Expansion

The U.S. Manufacturing PMI reached 53.2 in November, a near six-year high, marking the third consecutive month of growth and significantly exceeding the past year's average. This data fuels the continued expansion of the U.S. economy. However, future risks such as trade friction and geopolitical uncertainties require vigilance, and competitiveness needs to be improved to sustain the positive momentum.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truck Tonnage Edges Up in October Holds Steady

US Truck Tonnage Edges Up in October Holds Steady

According to the American Trucking Associations, the seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index for October in the U.S. was 135.7, up 1.9% from September. The unadjusted index was 139.8, a 0.9% increase from September. The data indicates a slight increase in freight volume, but overall, it remains within a stable range, reflecting a cautious economic recovery.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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