US Rail Freight Carloads Drop As Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Carloads Drop As Intermodal Gains

The US rail freight market is showing a diverging trend. Traditional carload volume is slightly declining, while intermodal transportation is experiencing significant growth. Varying commodity volumes reflect shifts in the economic structure. The Baltimore bridge collapse poses a potential impact on the logistics industry, highlighting the importance of adaptability. Looking ahead, the rail freight market will continue to face both opportunities and challenges, with technological innovation and policy changes being key drivers. The market requires constant monitoring and strategic adaptation to navigate these evolving dynamics.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines As Intermodal Gains Offset Losses

US Rail Freight Declines As Intermodal Gains Offset Losses

The US rail freight market is showing signs of divergence. Carload volume is down year-over-year, dragged down by commodities like coal and grain. However, intermodal transportation is growing, becoming a new growth driver. Full-year cumulative data presents a mixed picture, highlighting the impact of economic conditions, energy transition, and global trade. Moving forward, rail freight needs to embrace intermodal transportation, diversified business models, technological innovation, and strengthened partnerships to adapt to market changes. This is crucial for sustained success in a dynamic logistics landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Up Intermodal Down

U.S. rail freight volume increased by 3.5% in May, driven by metallic ores. Intermodal transportation declined by 11.6%, leading to an overall freight volume decrease of 4.1%. The railway industry faces transformation challenges. The growth in metallic ores suggests potential strength in related industries, while the decline in intermodal transportation highlights shifts in shipping preferences or economic slowdown in certain sectors. The overall decrease in freight volume underscores the need for the railway industry to adapt to evolving market demands and explore new revenue streams.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Drop Intermodal Rises Slightly

US Rail Freight Carloads Drop Intermodal Rises Slightly

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 4th, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, while intermodal volume increased by 1.5%. Year-to-date, carload traffic is roughly flat, while intermodal volume is down 7%. The market shows a divergent trend. Influenced by various factors, railway companies need to pay close attention to market dynamics and adjust their strategies accordingly. This highlights the contrasting performance between traditional rail freight and intermodal transport within the current economic landscape.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Struggles Carloads Dip Intermodal Flat

US Rail Freight Struggles Carloads Dip Intermodal Flat

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance diverged in the week ending November 4th. Carload traffic decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, although the decline narrowed compared to previous weeks. Intermodal traffic increased by 1.5% year-over-year, but the growth rate slowed. Year-to-date figures show carload traffic remaining roughly flat, while intermodal traffic is down 7.0% year-over-year. Key challenges facing the rail freight market include economic downturn risks, supply chain restructuring, technological changes, and sustainability concerns.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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North American Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Demand Slowdown

North American Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Demand Slowdown

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. and North American rail freight volume for the week ending May 14. The analysis explores the reasons behind the decrease in carload and intermodal traffic, including economic fluctuations, supply chain bottlenecks, and the energy transition. It also looks at the challenges and opportunities facing the rail freight market, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation, diversified services, and sustainable development. The future of rail freight depends on adapting to these changing dynamics.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Concerns

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline Amid Demand Concerns

Recent data shows a year-over-year decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes, though not across all commodity categories. Multiple factors contribute to this downturn, including slowing economic growth, supply chain disruptions, energy transition, increased competition, high inflation, and geopolitical risks. To address these challenges and seize opportunities, railway companies need to improve efficiency, expand services, embrace innovation, focus on sustainability, and strengthen collaboration. The industry must adapt to navigate the evolving landscape and maintain its vital role in the economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Struggles Despite Coal Chemical Growth

US Rail Freight Struggles Despite Coal Chemical Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 3.7% and intermodal traffic decreased by 4.5% for the week ending May 21st. While coal and chemical industries saw growth, grains and metals faced challenges. Port congestion and driver shortages constrained intermodal development. Future infrastructure investment, green transition, and technological innovation will present opportunities for the rail freight market. Overall, the data suggests a mixed performance in the rail freight sector, influenced by both industry-specific factors and broader economic conditions.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines As Supply Chain Woes Spur Innovation

US Rail Freight Declines As Supply Chain Woes Spur Innovation

US rail freight and intermodal volumes have declined year-over-year, reflecting market pressure. Growth in categories like coal and chemicals offers hope, while declines in grains and metals are concerning. Supply chain disruptions, inflation, and geopolitical risks are primary drivers. Logistics companies need to optimize supply chains, improve efficiency, expand services, and pay attention to market changes to achieve transformation and upgrading. The decline highlights the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of ongoing global economic uncertainties and evolving consumer demands.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Mixed As Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Growth Mixed As Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.4% for the week ending August 27, driven by gains in coal, grain, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volume decreased by 0.3% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carloads are up slightly by 0.1%, while intermodal volume has declined significantly by 5.3%, reflecting ongoing supply chain challenges and shifting demand patterns. This divergence highlights the complex dynamics influencing the rail freight sector and its role as an economic indicator.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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