US Rail Freight Decline Spurs Supply Chain Concerns

US Rail Freight Decline Spurs Supply Chain Concerns

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume, although shipments of motor vehicles & parts, coal, and petroleum products increased. Businesses should diversify transportation channels, optimize inventory management, strengthen supply chain collaboration, and invest in technological innovation to mitigate potential risks and turn challenges into opportunities. This proactive approach can help companies navigate economic fluctuations and ensure supply chain resilience despite the overall decrease in rail freight volume.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Traffic Slows

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Traffic Slows

According to the Association of American Railroads, total U.S. rail traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 19th. Carload volume saw a slight decline, but shipments of commodities like automobiles, coal, and petroleum increased. Intermodal container and trailer traffic experienced a significant drop. Cumulative data for 2023 shows a slight increase in carload volume, but intermodal continues to face pressure. The rail freight market is facing both challenges and opportunities, requiring transformation and upgrades.

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

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Economic Slowdown

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 19th. While carload and coal traffic increased, grain and forest products declined. Year-to-date, total carload traffic saw a slight increase, but intermodal traffic significantly decreased. Factors contributing to this include a global economic slowdown, industry challenges, and internal railroad issues. The recovery of rail freight volume faces considerable challenges in the future.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

US Rail Freight Shifts Autos Petroleum Rise As Coal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic diverged in the week ending May 9th. Traditional freight carloads declined year-over-year, while motor vehicles and petroleum products showed strong performance. Coal continued to face pressure. Intermodal traffic increased year-over-year, but the growth rate slowed. Year-to-date, traditional freight carloads have slightly decreased, while intermodal traffic has grown. Railroad companies need to actively address challenges and seize opportunities to achieve sustainable development.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Freight Volume Fluctuates in February Prepandemic

US Freight Volume Fluctuates in February Prepandemic

American Trucking Associations (ATA) data reveals mixed freight volume results for February. The seasonally adjusted index rose, while the non-seasonally adjusted index declined. Economists suggest this reflects a brief pre-pandemic market surge while also foreshadowing pandemic-related challenges. Freight companies need to diversify operations, improve efficiency, enhance risk management, and focus on sustainability to navigate the current economic landscape and ensure long-term resilience. The fluctuating freight data highlights the ongoing uncertainty in the market.

02/12/2026 Logistics
Read More
Truck Driver Turnover Falls Sharply Amid Higher Pay Benefits

Truck Driver Turnover Falls Sharply Amid Higher Pay Benefits

Data from the American Trucking Associations shows a significant drop in driver turnover rates at large truckload carriers, potentially signaling a shift in the industry. Improved compensation and benefits strategies are showing initial success, while a slower growth rate in the freight market also contributes. Experts caution that long-term trends still need monitoring, emphasizing that wage growth must align with freight rate increases. Logistics companies should proactively address challenges and seize opportunities in this evolving landscape.

02/12/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Smart Truckload Solutions Cut Empty Space Costs

Smart Truckload Solutions Cut Empty Space Costs

North American companies lose significant money annually due to 'empty miles' in Full Truckload (FTL) shipping. Flock Freight's Instant Prebate program addresses this by offering discounts based on actual load size through an on-demand pricing model, avoiding payment for unused space. This program leverages shared truckload services, increasing truck utilization, reducing costs, and enabling more efficient, economical, and sustainable transportation. It aims to minimize the financial impact of underutilized truck capacity and optimize logistics spending.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Trumps INFRA Plan Seeks Private Funds for US Infrastructure

Trumps INFRA Plan Seeks Private Funds for US Infrastructure

The Trump administration reshaped the FASTLANE program into INFRA, aiming to leverage trillions of dollars in investment to rebuild American infrastructure. The plan emphasizes funding transparency, geographical balance, and encourages participation from states and private enterprises. Despite facing challenges, intelligent and green development are the future direction, and the participation of the entire society is crucial for its success. The INFRA plan represents a significant effort to modernize the nation's infrastructure and stimulate economic growth through strategic investments.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Trucking Sector Reports Mixed January Results Amid Challenges

US Trucking Sector Reports Mixed January Results Amid Challenges

According to the American Trucking Associations, the January tonnage index increased month-over-month but remained down year-over-year, reflecting the complexity of the recovery. Economic stimulus and vaccine rollouts are expected to drive growth, but challenges such as driver shortages, fuel price volatility, and supply chain disruptions persist. Businesses need to monitor market changes and adjust strategies to adapt to the new environment. The trucking industry's performance remains a key indicator of overall economic health and resilience.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
North Americas Container Shipping Industry Faces Five Key Trends

North Americas Container Shipping Industry Faces Five Key Trends

A JLL research report reveals five transformative trends in North American container shipping: the Panama Canal expansion fuels East Coast port growth, boosting industrial real estate demand. Comprehensive port infrastructure upgrades are underway, shipping alliances are reshaping the industry, and e-commerce is revolutionizing supply chains. Railroad transportation faces a pivotal transition. Businesses must adapt their supply chain strategies accordingly to navigate these evolving dynamics and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the container shipping and industrial real estate sectors.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More