US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US rail freight carload volume saw a slight increase, while intermodal volume experienced a significant decrease. Carload traffic was driven by commodities like nonmetallic minerals. Intermodal volume was impacted by competition from trucking. Year-to-date cumulative volume showed growth, but the industry continues to face challenges. The increase in carload is not enough to offset the decrease in intermodal, raising concerns about the overall health of the rail freight sector. Further analysis is needed to understand the long-term implications of these trends.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

In August 2022, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 2.9%, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.4%. For the full year, carload traffic remained flat, and intermodal volume declined by 5.5%. North American rail freight is facing pressure. This data reflects key economic trends impacting the transportation sector and broader supply chains. The contrasting performance of carload and intermodal shipments suggests shifts in freight demand and transportation strategies.

02/11/2026 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 and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending February 11. Carload traffic decreased by 1.6%, while intermodal volume fell sharply by 10.2%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up slightly by 1%, but intermodal volume is down 7.7%. While North American rail carload traffic increased, intermodal volume also saw a decline. These figures reflect the complexities of the current economic environment and the challenges facing supply chains, requiring businesses to closely monitor and adapt their strategies.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US rail carload traffic saw a slight increase in March, while intermodal volume declined. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up, but intermodal volume is down. Overall, North American rail freight experienced a downturn. This suggests a mixed performance in the rail freight sector, with traditional carload shipments showing some resilience while intermodal, often seen as a bellwether for economic activity, is weakening. The decline in North American freight indicates broader economic headwinds affecting the region's transportation industry.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload volume increased by 3.4% for the week ending August 27th, primarily driven by growth in coal, grain, and motor vehicle shipments. However, intermodal volume decreased by 0.3%. Cumulative carload volume for the first 34 weeks of 2022 saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal volume declined by 5.3%. Macroeconomic factors, supply chain disruptions, and energy market fluctuations are contributing factors. Rail freight faces both challenges and opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Modest Recovery in Late September

US Rail Freight Sees Modest Recovery in Late September

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth in late September. Carload traffic increased by 0.9%, with notable gains in nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicles & parts, while coal, petroleum, and metals declined. Intermodal volume rose by 1.1%. Year-to-date figures show a 2.1% increase in total carload traffic and a 3.5% increase in total intermodal volume. The rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities, requiring proactive adaptation.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Drop

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Drop

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% for the week ending March 19th, while intermodal volume decreased by 5.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, cumulative carload traffic is up 3%, but intermodal volume is down 7.1%. The overall trend in North American rail freight indicates a decline, highlighting supply chain challenges and regional interconnections. This divergence between carload and intermodal performance suggests shifts in freight patterns and potential bottlenecks within the broader logistics network.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Dip Intermodal Rises in Early January

US Rail Freight Carloads Dip Intermodal Rises in Early January

US rail freight saw a 2% decrease in carload volume, while intermodal volume increased by 12.8%. The decline in coal transportation was a primary factor in the overall carload decrease. Increased consumer demand fueled the growth in intermodal traffic. The rail freight industry faces structural adjustments and opportunities, with the shift towards intermodal highlighting evolving transportation needs and economic dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds As Carload Intermodal Traffic Rises

US Rail Freight Rebounds As Carload Intermodal Traffic Rises

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year for the week ending March 8th. Coal and grain were key drivers for carload growth, while intermodal continued its strong performance. Year-to-date figures show intermodal growth offsetting the decline in carload volume. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing structural changes, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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