US Rail Freight Trends Diverge Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Trends Diverge Amid Economic Uncertainty

US rail freight shows a divergence: carload traffic increased by 2.8%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 5.8%. Year-to-date figures reveal a similar trend, with carload volume increasing and intermodal volume declining. This divergence could reflect shifts in supply chains, consumer demand, or fuel costs. Further analysis is needed to understand the underlying drivers and potential long-term implications for the rail freight industry and the broader economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results in March 2022

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results in March 2022

For the week of March 26, 2022, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed trend. Carload traffic increased slightly by 0.5%, mainly driven by increased coal and chemical shipments. However, intermodal traffic declined significantly by 6.2%, reflecting persistent supply chain bottlenecks. Overall North American rail traffic also experienced a year-over-year decrease. The data suggests the U.S. economy faces multiple challenges, including supply chain issues, structural adjustments, and inflation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Labor Talks Raise Fears of Supply Chain Disruptions

US Rail Labor Talks Raise Fears of Supply Chain Disruptions

The Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) issued recommendations to mediate the labor dispute between railroad companies and unions, aiming to avert a potential railroad strike and supply chain crisis. The PEB's recommendations cover wage increases, healthcare, and contract renegotiation. Reactions from both sides have been mixed. Failure to reach an agreement could paralyze the U.S. rail system, severely impacting the economy. The situation requires close monitoring in the coming weeks.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Decline Sparks Economic Worries

US rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year. While some commodity categories experienced growth in freight volume, the overall economy faces uncertainty. The decrease in rail traffic could signal a slowdown in manufacturing and consumer spending, key economic indicators. The intermodal decline suggests potential disruptions in supply chains and international trade. These trends warrant close monitoring to assess the broader economic impact and potential policy responses.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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CBRE Highlights Untapped Industrial Logistics Real Estate Potential

CBRE Highlights Untapped Industrial Logistics Real Estate Potential

A CBRE report highlights the potential of 14 strategic industrial and logistics real estate markets in the US. These markets exhibit high demand exceeding supply, rising rents, and boast superior infrastructure and labor forces. Strategic markets offer investors higher yields and diversification opportunities, but thorough due diligence of the local economic environment is crucial. Investors can find opportunities in these markets, but should also be aware of the local economy.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Firms Raise Wages Amid Driver Shortage

Trucking Firms Raise Wages Amid Driver Shortage

The US trucking industry faces a significant driver shortage, prompting companies to attract talent by increasing wages and improving working conditions. The implementation of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate has impacted the industry. Future trends include improved driver benefits, technological innovation, accelerated industry consolidation, and a focus on green initiatives. Trucking plays a crucial role in the US economy, and its regulatory framework ensures safe and compliant operations.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Kampong Gelam Adopts Digital Tools to Boost Singapores Cultural District

Kampong Gelam Adopts Digital Tools to Boost Singapores Cultural District

Kampong Gelam, Singapore, has launched five digital initiatives to help traditional businesses embrace the digital economy and enhance the community's appeal. These initiatives include e-payments, digital maps, AR navigation, convenient delivery services, and integrated POS systems. This collaboration between government, educational institutions, and enterprises will further deepen the digital transformation. The future Kampong Gelam will be more intelligent and interconnected, providing consumers with a higher quality experience.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shipping Costs Surge for Canadabound Packages

Shipping Costs Surge for Canadabound Packages

High shipping rates in Canada are driven by a combination of factors, including transportation costs, logistical bottlenecks, and market dynamics. Consumers and businesses can mitigate these costs by optimizing logistics strategies and choosing economical shipping methods. The government should invest in infrastructure and streamline customs clearance processes. Collaborative efforts are needed to reduce shipping costs and promote trade development. Addressing these issues will benefit both consumers and the overall Canadian economy.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Index Offers New Economic Forecasting Insight

Logistics Index Offers New Economic Forecasting Insight

The Logistics Manager Index (LMI), inspired by the PMI, is a monthly survey of key logistics indicators, offering a novel perspective on economic forecasting. It faces challenges related to data quality and analytical tools, requiring continuous improvement. The LMI aims to provide timely insights into the logistics sector and its impact on the broader economy, helping businesses and policymakers make informed decisions regarding supply chain management and economic outlook.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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East Coast Dockworkers Near Deal to Ease Supply Chain Concerns

East Coast Dockworkers Near Deal to Ease Supply Chain Concerns

The ILA and USMX are negotiating a long-term contract to stabilize labor relations at US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, reducing the risk of strikes. This is crucial for maintaining supply chain stability. However, issues such as automation remain a significant challenge in reaching an agreement. A successful negotiation is vital for the US economy and the smooth flow of goods through these critical port gateways.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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