US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US rail freight traffic increased by 1.4% in April, driven by coal, automobiles, and chemical products. Intermodal volume decreased by 3.1%, with a cumulative decrease of 6.6% since the beginning of the year. It is necessary to pay attention to market changes and respond to challenges. The increase in rail freight suggests positive economic activity in those sectors, while the decline in intermodal volume warrants further investigation to understand the underlying causes and potential impact on the overall economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Global Logistics How to Prevent Customs Delays

Global Logistics How to Prevent Customs Delays

This article focuses on five major product categories prone to customs clearance issues in international logistics (food, pharmaceuticals, animals & plants and their products, chemical products, and electronic & electrical products). It provides a detailed interpretation of the specific customs clearance documents required for each category. The aim is to help shippers and freight forwarders avoid risks and ensure smooth customs clearance of goods. By understanding these specific requirements, businesses can minimize delays and costs associated with international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tempur Sealy Expands US Production to Strengthen Supply Chain

Tempur Sealy Expands US Production to Strengthen Supply Chain

Tempur Sealy is addressing supply chain challenges and ensuring product availability by expanding its domestic manufacturing capabilities in the United States. The company is building new factories and increasing its chemical reserves to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains and meet market demand. The pandemic has accelerated the trend of reshoring, and Tempur Sealy's strategic adjustments will build a more resilient supply chain system. This move aims to mitigate disruptions and ensure consistent product availability for consumers.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Late August Signaling Recovery

US Rail Freight Volumes Rise in Late August Signaling Recovery

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending August 30th. Chemical and metallic ores shipments showed strong performance, while petroleum and grain shipments declined. Year-to-date freight and intermodal volumes also demonstrated growth. Rail transport faces competition from trucking and challenges from environmental policies. Future development requires strengthened technological innovation and improved service quality to maintain competitiveness and meet evolving demands.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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EU Tightens Toy Safety Rules for Manufacturers

EU Tightens Toy Safety Rules for Manufacturers

The new EU Toy Safety Regulation EU 2025/2509 will take effect on January 1, 2026, setting higher requirements for toy safety standards. Toy manufacturers need to carefully study the new regulations, evaluate and improve their products, choose appropriate testing institutions for certification, and strengthen communication with customers to ensure that their products meet EU standards and smoothly enter the market. This includes understanding updated chemical restrictions, mechanical properties, and flammability requirements to maintain CE compliance and market access.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Coal Declines in February

US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Coal Declines in February

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased slightly by 0.7% year-over-year for the week ending February 8. However, intermodal traffic increased by 7.4%. Chemical and nonmetallic minerals carloads increased, while coal and metallic ores carloads declined. Year-to-date, carload traffic is even with last year, while intermodal traffic is up 9.7%. The rail freight market is experiencing structural changes, with intermodal transportation becoming a major driver of growth.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Shanghai Port Adopts Paperless Customs to Speed Up Southeast Asia Trade

Shanghai Port Adopts Paperless Customs to Speed Up Southeast Asia Trade

User s4345479 on Ji Yun Bao Dian (a freight forwarding platform) highlights issues regarding paperless customs clearance at Shanghai Port and the issuance time of Southeast Asia Bills of Lading, drawing industry attention. The article covers various aspects including customs declaration, bills of lading, chemical identification, and port operations, reflecting common challenges faced by freight forwarders. It underscores the importance of industry communication and knowledge sharing to address these practical problems and improve operational efficiency within the freight forwarding sector.

08/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Diclofenac Sodium Export Compliance and Safety Guidelines

Diclofenac Sodium Export Compliance and Safety Guidelines

This article details the requirements and operational challenges of Diclofenac Sodium sea freight export, including required documents (MSDS, dangerous goods packaging certificate, customs declaration data), and issues such as shipping company space limitations and dangerous goods packaging certificate processing. It provides corresponding suggestions to help companies safely and compliantly complete dangerous goods sea transportation. Focus is given to ensuring compliance and navigating the complexities of exporting this specific chemical substance by sea, offering practical guidance for businesses involved in this process.

05/31/2024 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Navigating Customs and Quality Standards for Dissolving Wood Pulp

Navigating Customs and Quality Standards for Dissolving Wood Pulp

This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the definition and quality standards for "dissolving grades of chemical wood pulp" under HS Code 4702. It elaborates on the requirements for key indicators such as solubility and ash content. The aim is to assist businesses in accurately identifying dissolving wood pulp, avoiding tariff risks in international trade, and ensuring the quality of downstream products. It focuses on the specific criteria outlined within the HS Code to facilitate compliance and informed decision-making.

12/30/2025 HS Code Query
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US Rail Freight Growth in Select Sectors Despite Overall Drop

US Rail Freight Growth in Select Sectors Despite Overall Drop

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 19: carloads increased by 1.1% year-over-year, while intermodal units decreased by 5.7%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and petroleum shipments declined. In the first 11 weeks of 2022, total U.S. rail carloads increased by 3% year-over-year, while intermodal units decreased by 7.1%. North American rail freight faces similar challenges. It's crucial to monitor economic signals and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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