Cass Freight Index Reports October Decline Amid Weak Demand Strikes

Cass Freight Index Reports October Decline Amid Weak Demand Strikes

The Cass Freight Index report reveals a 9.5% year-over-year decrease in freight volume and a 23.3% year-over-year drop in expenditures for October. Weak demand, compounded by the United Auto Workers strike, contributed to these record lows. Analysts anticipate continued downward pressure on freight volume and rates in the short term. However, the impact of the strike may create the potential for a future rebound in freight activity as production resumes and backlogs are addressed.

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The latest US rail freight data reveals a year-over-year increase in carload traffic, driven by strong demand for nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volumes declined year-over-year, reflecting easing supply chain bottlenecks and cooling consumer demand. Overall North American rail freight volumes show a similar diverging trend. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency and expand their business areas to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in late January showed divergence: carload volume increased by 3.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by increased shipments of nonmetallic minerals and coal. Container volume decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, reflecting macroeconomic uncertainty and supply chain adjustments. Total North American rail freight volume experienced a slight decrease. Looking ahead, economic recovery, supply chain resilience, sustainable development, and technological innovation will be key factors influencing rail freight trends.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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West Coast Import Boom Fuels Strong Q4 Intermodal Growth

West Coast Import Boom Fuels Strong Q4 Intermodal Growth

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reported a strong start to Q4 for intermodal transportation, with October volumes up 8.9% year-over-year. This growth was fueled by a surge in West Coast imports and robust consumer spending. International containers were a key driver, showing a cumulative increase of 15.2% for the year. Industry experts anticipate strong international freight volumes to continue through the end of the year. Tightening truck capacity is expected to further benefit intermodal transportation.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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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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Ecommerce Sellers Leverage World Cup for Sales Growth

Ecommerce Sellers Leverage World Cup for Sales Growth

Budweiser's massive investment faced a World Cup ban, a marketing failure! How can cross-border e-commerce avoid repeating this mistake? This article details World Cup marketing strategies, offering practical advice on creating a festive store atmosphere, social media marketing, and advertising. It also provides a guide to avoid marketing pitfalls, helping sellers leverage the event to achieve brand exposure and sales growth. Learn how to accurately capitalize on the World Cup buzz and maximize your ROI while avoiding common marketing missteps during this global event.

Uzbekistan Boosts Healthcare Services for Holiday Season

Uzbekistan Boosts Healthcare Services for Holiday Season

Uzbekistan has launched a comprehensive healthcare plan to ensure public health during the New Year holiday. Over 20,000 medical personnel will be on duty, strengthening hospital bed capacity and medicine reserves. Emergency hotlines will be available 24/7. Obstetric and pediatric medical institutions will remain open to ensure the safety of pregnant women and children. Medical consultations are available by calling 1003.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Tiktok Boosts Growth for Budgetconscious Small Brands

Tiktok Boosts Growth for Budgetconscious Small Brands

TikTok has emerged as a new battleground for marketing for small and medium-sized brands. By leveraging authentic content, active engagement, and collaborations with influencers, these brands can acquire new customers and expand their businesses. Authenticity is key; founders personally participating in cultural conversations can effectively improve user retention and build stronger connections with their audience. TikTok's unique algorithm and vast user base offer unparalleled opportunities for targeted reach and organic growth for brands willing to embrace its dynamic and engaging platform.

Amazon Sellers Adapt to Zeroreview Product Challenges

Amazon Sellers Adapt to Zeroreview Product Challenges

Amazon's review policy changes present a 'zero review' challenge for new products, significantly impacting conversion rates. Sellers need to actively respond by optimizing listings, leveraging social media marketing, providing excellent customer service, and ensuring compliant reviews. These strategies can help break the 'zero review' curse and achieve sales growth. Overcoming this hurdle is crucial for new products to gain traction and succeed in the competitive Amazon marketplace. Focusing on building trust and credibility is key to driving sales even without initial reviews.

Tiktok Launches New Ad Tools for Marketers

Tiktok Launches New Ad Tools for Marketers

TikTok World unveiled a suite of new advertising tools and insights, including the 'Showtime' ad unit, 'Focused View' which pays for attention, an upgraded Lead Gen Ads product, and the Creator Marketplace. These updates aim to enhance ad efficiency, optimize user experience, and help brands better connect with creators, ultimately achieving marketing goals on TikTok. The new features prioritize capturing user attention and streamlining lead generation, further empowering businesses within the TikTok ecosystem and strengthening the platform's position in the creator economy.