STB Extends Review of Rail Switching Rule Amid Service Concerns

STB Extends Review of Rail Switching Rule Amid Service Concerns

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) has extended the review period for the Reciprocal Switching proposal, which aims to improve rail service by providing poorly served shippers access to other rail carriers. The proposal sets three performance standards: service reliability, consistency, and local service, and requires data transparency. Industry reactions are mixed, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The potential impact on competition and efficiency within the rail network is significant.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in October Amid Mixed Annual Results

US Rail Freight Rebounds in October Amid Mixed Annual Results

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a rebound in U.S. rail freight volume in late October, with carloads up 1.5% and intermodal volume up 2.1% year-over-year. Metallic ores led the carload gains, while coal and grain faced pressure. Year-to-date, carloads are up slightly by 0.3%, but intermodal volume is down 7.4%. The rail industry needs to address challenges and seize opportunities to achieve sustainable development.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Slowdown

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 5th. While cumulative freight volume year-to-date saw a slight increase, intermodal volume experienced a significant decline. Performance varied across different commodity categories, reflecting the complexity of the economic structure. This data should be analyzed in conjunction with other economic indicators for a comprehensive understanding.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Freight Market Stability Hides Potential Shifts FTR Reports

Freight Market Stability Hides Potential Shifts FTR Reports

The FTR Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) is a key indicator for assessing the freight market environment. Recent data shows the SCI remains stable, but rising fuel prices and declining freight rates suggest a weaker market outlook for 2024. Shippers should monitor market dynamics, optimize transportation networks, strengthen capacity management, adopt advanced technologies, implement flexible pricing strategies, and improve service quality to cope with potential market fluctuations and increasing competition.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Concerns

US Rail Freight Decline Signals Economic Concerns

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending July 16th, potentially signaling an economic slowdown. Among specific categories, nonmetallic minerals, farm products and food, and motor vehicles and parts saw increases, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and grain decreased. Businesses should optimize supply chains, diversify transportation methods, strengthen cost control, and embrace digitalization to address these challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Trade with NAFTA Partners Hits Record High in March 2012

US Trade with NAFTA Partners Hits Record High in March 2012

In March 2012, land trade between the United States and its NAFTA partners reached a record high of $85.8 billion. This paper analyzes this data, exploring the drivers of trade growth, such as economic recovery, manufacturing reshoring, and energy industry development. It also elaborates on the positive impacts on economic growth, resource allocation, and regional cooperation. Furthermore, the paper identifies future challenges and potential development directions for North American land trade.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results in March 2022

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results in March 2022

For the week of March 26, 2022, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed trend. Carload traffic increased slightly by 0.5%, mainly driven by increased coal and chemical shipments. However, intermodal traffic declined significantly by 6.2%, reflecting persistent supply chain bottlenecks. Overall North American rail traffic also experienced a year-over-year decrease. The data suggests the U.S. economy faces multiple challenges, including supply chain issues, structural adjustments, and inflation.

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

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending April 23rd. This decrease is attributed to factors including slowing economic growth, supply chain bottlenecks, energy transition, and increased competition. To address these challenges and achieve sustainable development, the rail industry needs to improve operational efficiency, expand diversified business lines, strengthen infrastructure construction, and embrace digital transformation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Declines in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Declines in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR) data, for the week ending August 20th, U.S. rail carloads increased by 2.9% year-over-year, while intermodal traffic decreased by 2.4% year-over-year. Carload growth was driven by commodities such as coal and grain. Supply chain bottlenecks and rising fuel prices constrained intermodal transportation. The North American rail market is progressing steadily and needs to strengthen cooperation to meet challenges.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Faces Growth Challenges and Opportunities

US Rail Freight Faces Growth Challenges and Opportunities

AAR data reveals both opportunities and challenges in US rail freight. Growth is seen in automobiles, coal, and agricultural products, while metallic ores and petroleum face headwinds. Optimizing the freight structure, collaborating within the supply chain, and embracing digitalization are crucial for success in this evolving market. Adapting to these changes will be key for rail companies to capitalize on growth areas and mitigate the impact of declining sectors.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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