US Rail Freight Adapts to Demand Shifts Pursues Growth

US Rail Freight Adapts to Demand Shifts Pursues Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 14th showed mixed results. Carloads of petroleum and motor vehicles increased, while coal and grain declined. Intermodal performance was strong, though year-to-date volumes remained down. Railroads need to accelerate transformation and upgrading, expanding into diversified, intelligent, and green businesses to adapt to the evolving economic landscape and ensure long-term sustainability.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Trends Diverge Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Trends Diverge Amid Economic Uncertainty

US rail freight shows a divergence: carload traffic increased by 2.8%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 5.8%. Year-to-date figures reveal a similar trend, with carload volume increasing and intermodal volume declining. This divergence could reflect shifts in supply chains, consumer demand, or fuel costs. Further analysis is needed to understand the underlying drivers and potential long-term implications for the rail freight industry and the broader economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Slows on Recession Worries Recovery Possible

Freight Market Slows on Recession Worries Recovery Possible

Bloomberg analyst Lee Klaskow noted in a webinar that the risk of a US recession is high, and the freight market has already entered a recession. Despite the challenges, a turnaround is expected in the second half of the year as capacity exits the market, seasonal demand rebounds, and inventory levels improve. Large, well-capitalized companies with diversified operations are likely to consolidate their positions during this market correction.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Early August

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Early August

US rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased, driven by commodities such as grain, coal, and motor vehicles. Year-to-date cumulative growth suggests an ongoing economic recovery. The rise in rail shipments indicates increased industrial activity and consumer demand, reflecting positive momentum in the overall economy. This growth highlights the importance of rail as a key transportation mode for moving goods across the country and supporting economic expansion.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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EU GPSR Deadline Nears Compliance Tips for Crossborder Sellers

EU GPSR Deadline Nears Compliance Tips for Crossborder Sellers

The EU's GPSR regulation is about to be enforced, and platforms are increasing their scrutiny of EU Representatives. This article provides a detailed self-assessment guide for EU Representative compliance and explains how to choose a reliable EU Representative to help sellers avoid risks and comply with regulations for overseas sales. Furthermore, SHEIN's semi-managed entry offers a limited-time bonus of one year of free EU Representative service!

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Demand Carloads Rise Intermodal Slows

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Demand Carloads Rise Intermodal Slows

For the week ending January 14th, U.S. rail freight carload traffic increased by 4.2%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 7%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up 2.9%, and intermodal traffic is down 9.2%. This suggests a potential shift in freight transportation preferences or underlying economic factors affecting different modes of transport. The diverging trends between carload and intermodal volumes warrant further investigation to understand the driving forces behind these changes.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Manufacturing PMI Surges Signaling Rebound

US Manufacturing PMI Surges Signaling Rebound

The latest ISM report shows the manufacturing PMI surged to 52.6, the first expansion in nearly a year, signaling a rebound in manufacturing activity. The overall economy has been growing for 15 consecutive months, with the growth rate accelerating. The recovery in manufacturing is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the overall economy. Businesses should seize the opportunities and actively adjust their strategies to capitalize on this upturn.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Ecommerce Returns Cut Into Retailer Profits

US Ecommerce Returns Cut Into Retailer Profits

US e-commerce faces a high return rate challenge, with returns projected to reach $279 billion this year, far exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Inflation and changing consumer behavior are major contributors. This high return rate erodes profits, requiring sellers to optimize product information, strengthen customer service, implement flexible return policies, and collaborate with logistics partners. Utilizing data analytics to predict return peaks is crucial to address this challenge.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US rail freight saw a slight increase in the last week of August, with gains in both carloads and intermodal units. Performance varied across commodity categories. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume also showed growth. This data provides insights into the current economic landscape and can be used for further analysis of freight trends and their impact on the broader economy. The modest uptick suggests continued, albeit uneven, economic activity.

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

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Faces Intermodal Challenges

Recent US rail freight data reveals a mixed picture: carload volume slightly increased, while intermodal transportation declined. Nonmetallic minerals, metallic ores, and chemicals showed strong performance, whereas grain, miscellaneous shipments, and coal transportation decreased. Although year-to-date figures indicate growth, short-term fluctuations warrant attention. Railroad companies need to enhance efficiency, embrace digital transformation, and focus on sustainable development to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the evolving market.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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