e commerce challenges News

US Rail Freight Growth Mixed in September YTD Up

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that for the week ending September 20th, U.S. rail carloads and intermodal traffic both decreased year-over-year, primarily due to factors such as weak coal demand. However, cumulative data for the year still indicates growth. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors influencing rail freight and looks ahead to future challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of focusing on long-term trends.

02/04/2026 Logistics

US Rail Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

Recent data reveals a decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes, raising concerns about the economic outlook. While year-to-date figures remain relatively positive, macroeconomic factors and persistent supply chain bottlenecks pose significant challenges. Businesses need to closely monitor market trends, optimize their supply chains, and diversify their strategies to navigate the uncertainty. This downturn in rail freight is being watched as a potential leading indicator of broader economic slowdown.

02/04/2026 Logistics

US Rail Freight Rises in Early August on Carload Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight continued to grow in the week ending August 9th, with carload traffic up 2.4% year-over-year and intermodal traffic up 3.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 2.8% increase in total carloads and a 4.6% increase in total intermodal volume. This growth in rail freight reflects the overall economic recovery in the United States. However, the industry faces challenges related to infrastructure and competition.

02/04/2026 Logistics

RXO Uber Freight to Showcase Logistics Tech at Nextgen 2025

The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference, led by Uber Freight, focuses on the future of logistics. It will explore AI, automation, and data-driven strategies to address challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving supply chain landscape. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging these technologies to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and enhance resilience. The summit aims to provide a platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of supply chain management.

02/04/2026 Logistics

US Truckload Rates and Volume Drop in July DAT

The DAT report indicates a seasonal cooling in the US trucking market in late July, with both freight volumes and rates declining. Dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed sectors all experienced varying degrees of decrease. Analysts attribute this to a combination of seasonal factors, economic conditions, excess capacity, and fuel prices. Facing both challenges and opportunities, trucking companies and shippers need to closely monitor market trends and flexibly adjust their business strategies to navigate market volatility.

02/04/2026 Logistics

E2open CEO Advocates Supply Chain Resilience in Evolving Logistics

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas provides insights into three key logistics trends: freight economics, the impact of import declines on US ports, and the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. He emphasizes that businesses should closely monitor market changes and build diversified, resilient supply chains. E2open is committed to empowering companies to create intelligent supply chains, address challenges, and seize opportunities. The current volatile environment necessitates proactive strategies to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.