US Rail Freight Declines Amid Industry Shifts

US Rail Freight Declines Amid Industry Shifts

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that US rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late October, but detailed data reveals growth in some commodity categories. Year-to-date cumulative data still shows an upward trend. Rail freight companies need to strengthen infrastructure construction, optimize operation and management, expand business areas, and embrace technological innovation and sustainable development. This requires a strategic approach to navigate current challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities within the evolving logistics landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Annual Growth

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in October Amid Annual Growth

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late October, with mixed performance across different market segments. While year-to-date cumulative data remains positive, attention should be paid to the impact of multiple factors, including macroeconomic conditions, supply chains, and energy transition. Moving forward, it is crucial to monitor policy developments, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth in the rail freight sector.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Temporary Dip or Longterm Trend

US Rail Freight Decline Temporary Dip or Longterm Trend

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume decreased year-over-year in the first week of November, but year-to-date figures remain positive. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, motor vehicles & parts shipments declined. The intermodal volume decrease may be due to truck competition and easing port congestion. Despite challenges such as energy transition and technological changes, the long-term outlook for the U.S. rail freight industry remains positive.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Intermodal

For the week of November 29, 2025, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed performance. Carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, driven by higher demand for coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. Intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and increased competition. Year-to-date figures indicate overall growth in rail freight, but structural adjustments pose ongoing challenges. The increase in carload traffic suggests strong demand in specific commodity sectors, while the decline in intermodal volume warrants further investigation into contributing factors.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Intermodal Lags Behind

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Intermodal Lags Behind

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 29th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, led by coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. Intermodal containers and trailers decreased by 6.5% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carload traffic and intermodal traffic have increased by 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively. The rail freight market faces both challenges and opportunities in the future.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal for November 2025

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal for November 2025

U.S. rail freight data for the last week of November 2025 presents a mixed picture. Carload traffic increased by 4.3% year-over-year, with strong performance in coal, nonmetallic minerals, and grain. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.5% year-over-year, potentially due to supply chain factors. Year-to-date figures indicate steady growth in rail freight. Businesses should closely monitor market trends, optimize supply chains, diversify transportation modes, and strengthen risk management to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Cass Freight Index Reveals Key Trends in Cargo Market

Cass Freight Index Reveals Key Trends in Cargo Market

The latest Cass Freight Index reveals a mixed picture for the freight market in November: while shipment volumes slightly decreased, expenditures continued to rise. Experts believe the market is generally stable, but declining imports suggest a potential softening of short-term trends. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, optimize operational efficiency, embrace digital transformation, and strengthen risk management to seize opportunities in a complex and volatile market environment. Overall, the index highlights the need for agility and strategic planning in navigating the current logistics landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Carloads Up Intermodal Traffic Down

US Rail Freight Carloads Up Intermodal Traffic Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 27th, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.4% year-over-year, while intermodal containers and trailers decreased by 0.3%. In the first 34 weeks of 2022, carload traffic rose by 0.1% year-over-year, but intermodal traffic fell by 5.3%. These figures highlight the complexity of the U.S. economy. Investors should analyze the data rationally and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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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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US Rail Freight Volume Rises in Early August

US Rail Freight Volume Rises in Early August

For the week ending August 2, 2025, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both showed year-over-year growth. Total rail carloads increased by 6.4%, while intermodal containers and trailers grew by 0.2%. Year-to-date, total rail carloads are up 2.8%, and intermodal volume has increased by 4.7%. These figures suggest a degree of activity in the U.S. economy, but future development remains subject to various influencing factors.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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