US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 4th. While total carloads decreased year-over-year, shipments of commodities like coal and petroleum increased. However, container traffic experienced a significant decline, weighing down overall freight volume. Year-to-date, both U.S. and North American rail freight volumes have slightly decreased. The future trajectory remains uncertain, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the rail freight industry.

01/20/2026 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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US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

Recent US rail freight data reveals a significant increase in container traffic driven by e-commerce growth. However, demand for traditional commodities like coal continues to decline, leading to a divergence in overall freight volumes. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume remains lower than last year. Railway companies are actively pursuing diversification and intelligent transformation strategies to address these challenges. The shift reflects broader trends in energy consumption and the evolving landscape of the transportation sector, requiring adaptation and innovation for sustained growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

The latest data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant increase in container traffic, reaching a record high, while traditional freight volumes are mixed. Although cumulative year-to-date figures still face pressure, the industry remains confident about the future and is actively transforming and upgrading. It is embracing technological innovation to adapt to market changes. The surge in container shipments suggests a strengthening supply chain and potentially signals positive momentum in the broader economic recovery.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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Global Shipping Costs Key Insights for Exporters

Global Shipping Costs Key Insights for Exporters

This article provides an in-depth analysis of common costs in international sea freight, including freight forwarder surcharges, CIC charges, CFS charges, EBS charges, and LOCAL CHARGE. It also details the cost responsibilities of buyers and sellers under different trade terms. The aim is to help foreign trade companies understand the composition of sea freight costs, effectively control expenses, and improve profit margins. The article focuses on providing practical knowledge for navigating the complexities of international shipping costs.

Experts Share Tips to Avoid Container Shipping Pitfalls

Experts Share Tips to Avoid Container Shipping Pitfalls

This article compiles the container transportation experience shared by freight forwarding expert MD800510, covering transit transportation, damaged/contaminated container handling, and port entry data verification. It aims to help freight forwarding practitioners avoid common problems and improve container transportation efficiency. The insights shared can help streamline processes and minimize potential delays or errors in container shipping operations.

Guide to 40GP and 40HC Container Shipping Costs

Guide to 40GP and 40HC Container Shipping Costs

This article provides a detailed analysis of common 40GP/HC container type fee issues in freight forwarding, along with precautions for depot container pickup. It emphasizes the impact of container type, port, and seal on fees, and differentiates between the concepts of discharge port and delivery location to help freight forwarding professionals avoid pitfalls. The analysis covers various factors influencing costs and provides practical guidance for navigating the complexities of container handling and associated charges within the freight forwarding process.