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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STB Chair Urges Railroads to Focus on Service Not Profits

STB Chair Urges Railroads to Focus on Service Not Profits

U.S. Surface Transportation Board Member Robert Primus, at the NEARS conference, emphasized the urgent need to improve rail service levels. He pointed to prioritizing operating ratio (PSR), problems with PSR implementation, labor shortages, and insufficient investment benefit assessments as key contributing factors. From a data analyst's perspective, this article proposes solutions including quantitative assessment, PSR optimization, addressing labor issues, and evaluating investment benefits. The aim is to reshape rail service and enhance its competitiveness by focusing on service quality and long-term sustainability rather than solely on short-term cost reduction.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in September Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop in September Raising Economic Worries

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year in the third week of September. Gains in grain and metallic ores were offset by decreases in coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals. Despite the recent downturn, year-to-date rail freight and intermodal traffic remain up compared to the same period last year. This suggests a mixed picture of the economy, with some sectors showing growth while others are experiencing contraction, as reflected in the varying commodity transport volumes.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Railroad Merger Risks US Chemical Industry CEO Warns

Railroad Merger Risks US Chemical Industry CEO Warns

American Chemistry Council CEO Chris Jahn warns that the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern railroad merger could negatively impact U.S. manufacturing. He emphasizes the potential for service degradation and increased rates, urging regulators to address monopoly risks within the rail industry. Jahn suggests learning from Canada's reciprocal switching model to ensure fair competition and safeguard the American economy. He believes the merger warrants careful scrutiny to prevent harm to manufacturers and consumers due to reduced service options and higher costs. The focus should be on maintaining a competitive and efficient rail network.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Truckload Volume Falls but Rates Rise in September DAT

US Truckload Volume Falls but Rates Rise in September DAT

The US truckload freight market in September showed a mixed picture: volumes declined while rates slightly increased. The DAT Index indicated a simultaneous drop in freight volume and rise in rates, reflecting a balance between weak demand and capacity adjustments. Analyst Ken Adamo suggests the rate increase isn't demand-driven, posing challenges for the peak season. Smaller carriers may benefit from rising backhaul rates. Market participants need to closely monitor these dynamics and adapt their strategies accordingly. The situation calls for careful observation and flexible approaches in this evolving market.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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New Tariffs Reshape Crossborder Ecommerce Product Strategies

New Tariffs Reshape Crossborder Ecommerce Product Strategies

Faced with new tariff policies, the traditional product selection logic for cross-border e-commerce is challenged. This article explores how product selection assistants can reconstruct data dimensions, including accurate tax rate mapping, logistics plan simulation, and inventory turnover assessment, to adapt to the new environment. The product selection assistant needs to upgrade from a "data display" to a "decision simulator," providing full-chain data support to help merchants achieve refined operations amidst uncertainty. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive data analysis for informed decision-making in a dynamic market.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Guide to 2026 SRDI Enterprise Recertification Success

Guide to 2026 SRDI Enterprise Recertification Success

This article focuses on the 2026 re-examination for Specialized and Innovative SMEs, analyzing the challenges and importance of this process. It emphasizes the value of choosing professional agencies to assist with the application. The article recommends five reputable agencies, including Shanghai Xiangying, Shanghai Chucui, Beijing Zhihe Huida, Shenzhen Defang Kechuangfu, and Hangzhou Kexiang, to help enterprises successfully pass the re-examination and continue to benefit from preferential policies. These agencies can provide expert guidance and support throughout the application process, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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AI Transforms Logistics Deepseeks Impact on Supply Chains

AI Transforms Logistics Deepseeks Impact on Supply Chains

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the application prospects and challenges of AI in the logistics industry. Through the professional perspective of Mr. Cai Xiaoming from InstaFlow, it explores the use of AI in intelligent route optimization, intelligent customs clearance, and freight market forecasting. The article emphasizes that companies should actively embrace AI and build intelligent logistics systems. Practitioners should continuously learn and improve their professional skills to adapt to industry development trends. The adoption of AI is crucial for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the modern logistics landscape.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Facebook Ads Boost ROI with AB Testing for Targeted Campaigns

Facebook Ads Boost ROI with AB Testing for Targeted Campaigns

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Facebook's A/B testing tool, emphasizing its importance in optimizing ad creatives, audience targeting, and bidding strategies. It offers step-by-step guidance and best practices to help advertisers leverage data-driven decision-making, improve ad performance, and maximize return on investment. The goal is to move away from blind ad spending by utilizing A/B testing to identify the most effective approaches for reaching target audiences and achieving campaign objectives. Learn how to use data to optimize your Facebook ad campaigns.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pinterest Drives Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

Pinterest Drives Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

This article delves into the unique value of Pinterest as a visual search engine and its application in driving traffic for cross-border e-commerce. It elaborates on the core mechanisms of Pinterest traffic generation, practical implementation paths, risk warnings, and frequently asked questions. The aim is to assist cross-border sellers in acquiring high-intent traffic from Europe and the United States at a low cost, thereby achieving business growth. It provides actionable insights and practical strategies for leveraging Pinterest's visual appeal to attract potential customers and boost sales in the global market.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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