US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Intermodal Declines

U.S. rail freight data presents a mixed picture: carload traffic shows a slight increase, while intermodal container volume declines. Varying performance across different commodity categories reflects economic restructuring. Investors should pay attention to industry trends, evaluate company performance, and diversify risk to capture long-term returns in the rail freight market. The slight carload increase offers a glimmer of optimism, but the container volume drop warrants careful observation of shifting supply chains and consumer demand.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Optimizing Refrigerated Container Ventilation

Guide to Optimizing Refrigerated Container Ventilation

This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of reefer container ventilation, ventilation volume units, and ventilation settings for major reefer container brands. Through detailed charts and case studies, it helps readers understand how to select the appropriate ventilation volume based on factors such as cargo type and transportation time, thereby ensuring cargo quality and reducing spoilage. The article aims to provide practical guidance for optimizing ventilation within reefer containers to maximize cargo preservation during transit.

Shipping Industry Focuses on Optimizing Container Loads

Shipping Industry Focuses on Optimizing Container Loads

This paper delves into the spatial and weight constraints of container loading, offering practical techniques to maximize container space and effective measures to avoid overweight risks. It emphasizes the balance between weight and volume, helping foreign trade companies optimize transportation plans, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. The study provides insights into efficient container loading strategies considering both weight and space limitations, ultimately aiming to enhance logistics performance.

Container Sizes and Load Standards Overview

Container Sizes and Load Standards Overview

This article provides a detailed overview of common container specifications, including various types such as 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, and 45HQ, along with their internal and external dimensions, weight capacities, and volume information. Understanding container sizes and weight standards helps optimize logistics transportation, improve efficiency, and ensure the safe delivery of goods.

40HQ Containers Real Capacity Falls Short of Theoretical Volume

40HQ Containers Real Capacity Falls Short of Theoretical Volume

This article delves into the actual loading capacity of 40HQ containers, debunking the myth of "theoretical volume." By analyzing crucial factors such as cargo packaging, shape, and weight restrictions, it reveals the real-world influences on loading capacity. Practical packing tips are provided to help readers utilize container space more effectively and avoid potential risks during sea freight. The analysis emphasizes that the practical loading capacity is often less than the theoretical volume due to various constraints, offering valuable insights for optimizing container utilization.

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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North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

North American Intermodal Growth Rises on Domestic Container Demand

The Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reports a 4.5% year-over-year increase in North American intermodal volume in Q1, with domestic container shipments leading the growth. Lower fuel costs, improved service, and railway investments are key drivers. Experts note that transloading and base effects also contribute. International container growth exceeded expectations, while trailer volume decline narrowed. Intermodal marketing companies saw revenue growth despite lower loadings. The outlook for the intermodal market is positive, suggesting opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the momentum.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Guide to 40HQ and 20GP Container Standards

Guide to 40HQ and 20GP Container Standards

This article details the standard dimensions, specifications, weight, volume, and uses of two common container types: 40HQ and 20GP. It compares and analyzes their differences. Furthermore, it provides considerations for container selection and usage, along with future development trends in containerization, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of container transportation. This information is helpful for optimizing shipping choices and understanding the evolving landscape of global trade logistics.

Global Standards for 40foot Shipping Containers Explained

Global Standards for 40foot Shipping Containers Explained

This article provides a detailed analysis of 12-meter containers (commonly referred to as 40ft containers), including the external dimensions, internal dimensions, maximum payload, and volume of both 40ft General Purpose (40GP) and 40ft High Cube (40HC) containers. It also introduces other common container types and their applications, along with considerations for selecting the appropriate container. The aim is to help readers understand container size specifications and optimize their logistics solutions.