LA Port Tariffs Spark Trucking Industry Crisis

LA Port Tariffs Spark Trucking Industry Crisis

The Port of Los Angeles has experienced a significant drop in throughput due to tariff policies, leading to a severe business downturn for truck drivers. Both year-over-year and month-over-month throughput have declined, with an increase in canceled sailings. Retailers' restocking strategies have proven ineffective. The trade war is increasing uncertainty, potentially affecting holiday season commodity prices and supply. The article urges businesses to diversify trading partners, optimize supply chain management, and strengthen international cooperation. This situation highlights the vulnerability of the port and its related industries to global trade tensions.

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in Early 2024

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of February, with varying performance across categories. While cumulative freight volume saw a slight increase, the decline in intermodal transportation partially offset this growth. Overall, North American rail freight volume decreased, with significant regional differences. Moving forward, railway companies need to optimize asset allocation, improve operational efficiency, expand service offerings, strengthen partnerships, embrace digitalization, and focus on sustainable development to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Logistics Shows Steady Recovery in August Cass Index

US Logistics Shows Steady Recovery in August Cass Index

The Cass Freight Index's August report reveals signs of a steady recovery in the US logistics industry. While shipments and expenditures are down year-over-year, they have significantly increased month-over-month, indicating a rebound in economic activity. Increased imports at West Coast ports are a key driver, and tight capacity is leading to higher freight rates. The index is an important indicator for assessing the US freight market and forecasting economic trends, but it's crucial to consider the influence of seasonality, economic cycles, and specific events when interpreting the data.

US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

Recent data reveals a year-over-year decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes. While commodities like automotive, coal, and petroleum products experienced growth, grains, forest products, and agricultural goods faced declines. Intermodal volume also decreased. Rail freight confronts challenges including macroeconomic conditions, supply chain issues, and industry competition. To address these, the industry needs to enhance efficiency, expand markets, embrace green transformation, and strengthen collaboration. The overall trend indicates a complex interplay of factors impacting the rail freight sector, requiring strategic adaptation for future growth.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Surge Points to Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Surge Points to Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending July 24th. Significant growth was seen in the transportation of coal and metallic ores, while volumes of motor vehicles & parts and farm products declined. The substantial increase in cumulative freight volume over the first 29 weeks of 2021 indicates that rail transportation is playing a vital role in the U.S. economic recovery. Total carloads and intermodal units reflect a positive trend in freight activity.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail carload traffic increased year-over-year in the first week of March, led by chemicals, minerals, and coal. Intermodal traffic declined, reflecting ongoing supply chain bottlenecks. Cumulative data indicates an increase in carload traffic but a decrease in intermodal volume. Overall, North American rail performance mirrors the U.S. trends. Logistics companies should monitor market dynamics, optimize supply chains, and invest in technological innovation to address these challenges. The divergence between carload and intermodal trends highlights the need for adaptable strategies.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Uncertainty

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both declined year-over-year for the week ending May 14. This article analyzes the various factors behind this phenomenon, including slowing economic growth, energy transition, and supply chain disruptions. It explores the challenges and opportunities facing the rail transportation industry, as well as potential strategies for addressing these issues. The analysis highlights the impact of broader economic trends on the rail sector's performance and the need for adaptation in a changing landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Cass Freight Index Rises Despite Economic Uncertainty

Cass Freight Index Rises Despite Economic Uncertainty

The July Cass Freight Index report shows continued year-over-year growth in both freight volume and expenditures, but a month-over-month decline. The report highlights key information such as e-commerce driving freight volume growth, rising fuel prices impacting freight expenditures, and a slowdown in rail transport. Logistics companies need to pay attention to market changes, embrace digital transformation, expand diversified services, strengthen risk management, and focus on sustainable development. The MoM decline warrants careful observation in the coming months to determine if it signals a broader economic shift.

US Trucking Market Faces Winter Challenges As Freight Index Fluctuates

US Trucking Market Faces Winter Challenges As Freight Index Fluctuates

The Cass Freight Index indicates sluggish shipment volume growth and decelerating expenditure growth in November, suggesting challenges for the freight market. Year-over-year shipment volume declined, with a sharp decrease in West Coast imports, potentially influenced by shifts in global trade patterns. Expenditure growth was primarily driven by changes in the transportation mode mix, indicating persistent cost pressures. Investors can use the index to assess freight companies, but a comprehensive analysis incorporating other data is crucial. The index points towards a softening freight market, requiring careful monitoring of evolving economic conditions.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Steady Despite Mixed Signals AAR

US Rail Freight Growth Steady Despite Mixed Signals AAR

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) indicates that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both decreased year-over-year for the week ending September 13th. However, rail freight maintains a steady long-term growth trend. While shipments of chemicals, automobiles, and parts increased, traditional freight categories like coal face challenges. Digital transformation, sustainability, and intermodal transportation are expected to be key trends for future development. The report suggests a mixed picture, reflecting both short-term fluctuations and long-term strategic shifts in the rail freight industry.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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