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 Decline Reflects Trade Logistics Risks

US Rail Freight Decline Reflects Trade Logistics Risks

US rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in January, influenced by manufacturing weakness and trade uncertainty. While growth in some commodity categories offered hope, significant declines in coal and grain shipments were the primary drivers. Businesses should diversify supply chains, optimize inventory, strengthen risk assessments, embrace digitalization, and monitor policy changes to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. The decrease highlights the importance of proactive risk management and strategic adaptation in the face of evolving economic conditions and global trade dynamics.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 2% for the week ending September 17, with coal, nonmetallic minerals, and motor vehicles leading the gains. Intermodal traffic, however, decreased by 7.3%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up slightly by 0.3%, while intermodal traffic is down 5.1%. Total North American rail volume also declined year-over-year. These diverging trends are influenced by various factors. Railroad companies need to proactively address challenges and seize opportunities in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Declines in Carload Intermodal Volumes

US Rail Freight Sees Declines in Carload Intermodal Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in early November, but cumulative volumes for the year remain in growth territory. Performance varied across freight categories, with grain shipments showing significant growth, while coal and automotive shipments faced pressure. The rail freight market presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring continuous innovation and service optimization. Overall, the U.S. rail freight industry navigates a complex landscape with varying sector performance and a need for adaptability to maintain growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Slump

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Slump

Recent US rail freight data shows carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by strong demand for coal and grain. However, container traffic declined, potentially signaling a slowdown in consumer demand. While full-year data indicates overall growth, recent structural shifts warrant caution. The rail freight industry faces both opportunities and challenges, with technological innovation being crucial for future success. The decrease in container traffic may be an early indicator of a broader economic downturn, requiring careful monitoring of future trends and adjustments to strategies.

01/21/2026 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

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year in late January, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, suggesting weaker consumer demand. Year-to-date, carloads have increased by 3%, while intermodal traffic has declined by 8.4%. Overall North American rail traffic has slightly decreased, reflecting a complex economic outlook. The contrasting trends in carload and intermodal volumes highlight the mixed signals within the current economic landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Challenges Faced by Publicly Listed Port Companies

Challenges Faced by Publicly Listed Port Companies

Multiple listed companies in the port industry have reported poor performance in their semi-annual reports. Rizhao Port experienced a 15.74% year-on-year decline in revenue and a 40% reduction in net profit. Xiamen Port saw a slight revenue drop, but its net profit, after excluding non-recurring gains and losses, plunged by 13.82%. Jinzhou Port is similarly challenged by low coal prices and a sharp decrease in grain turnover. These factors have severely impacted the operations and performance of port companies, raising concerns about the industry's outlook.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates mixed performance for U.S. rail freight for the week ending December 6th. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and grain. However, container traffic declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in global trade. Cumulative data for the first 49 weeks of 2025 shows overall freight volume growth. However, caution is advised regarding the potential impact of future economic uncertainties on rail freight performance. The container decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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2023 Investment Outlook for the Transportation Industry: Positive Spring Festival Data for Airlines and Recovery in Bulk Freight Rates

2023 Investment Outlook for the Transportation Industry: Positive Spring Festival Data for Airlines and Recovery in Bulk Freight Rates

In 2023, the transportation industry shows a positive development trend, with air passenger traffic during the Spring Festival continuously increasing, expected to achieve a year-on-year growth of 11.5%. Although there was a decline in demand in January due to the staggered Spring Festival, improvements are anticipated in February and March. Bulk shipping rates are rising, as the overall shipping industry enters a recovery phase.

01/25/2023 Logistics Industry Insights
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