US Rail Freight Growth in Select Sectors Despite Overall Drop

US Rail Freight Growth in Select Sectors Despite Overall Drop

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 19: carloads increased by 1.1% year-over-year, while intermodal units decreased by 5.7%. Coal and chemical shipments increased, while grain and petroleum shipments declined. In the first 11 weeks of 2022, total U.S. rail carloads increased by 3% year-over-year, while intermodal units decreased by 7.1%. North American rail freight faces similar challenges. It's crucial to monitor economic signals and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in August Amid Industry Challenges

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in August Amid Industry Challenges

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in the first week of August. Performance varied across sectors, with growth in grain and nonmetallic minerals, while miscellaneous carloads, chemicals, and coal declined. Intermodal transportation faces greater challenges. The overall North American region experienced a synchronized decline. Companies need to optimize operations, expand services, strengthen cooperation, pay attention to market changes, and invest in infrastructure to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Surges Unexpectedly in Early July

US Rail Freight Surges Unexpectedly in Early July

U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both increased in the first week of July, with solid year-to-date cumulative growth. Economic recovery and infrastructure investments are key drivers behind this positive trend. The rise in rail freight volume suggests increased demand for goods and materials, reflecting a strengthening economy. Intermodal growth indicates efficient supply chain management and a shift towards more sustainable transportation options. These figures are positive economic indicators, suggesting continued recovery and growth in the U.S. economy.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Collaborative Logistics Gains Traction Beyond Cost Savings

Collaborative Logistics Gains Traction Beyond Cost Savings

Traditional logistics transportation models are becoming unsustainable, and solely focusing on cost reduction is counterproductive. The report suggests establishing strategic partnerships based on mutual trust, sharing information, and jointly planning to solve problems in an open and transparent manner, thereby maximizing overall benefits. Moving away from a 'cost-first' approach and embracing 'value co-creation' is crucial. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and efficiency throughout the supply chain, leading to long-term sustainable growth and competitive advantage for all partners involved.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rises in Late September Led by Auto and Grain

US Rail Freight Rises in Late September Led by Auto and Grain

The Association of American Railroads reported that for the week ending September 27th, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth. Significant increases were seen in the transportation of nonmetallic minerals, grain, and motor vehicles & parts. Conversely, coal, petroleum & petroleum products, and metallic ores & metals saw declines. For the first 39 weeks of 2025, both total U.S. rail freight traffic and intermodal volume have shown year-over-year growth, indicating a positive trend in the sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Could Reshape US Rail Industry

Union Pacific Norfolk Southern Merger Could Reshape US Rail Industry

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are planning a merger to create the first coast-to-coast transcontinental railroad in the United States. However, the merger faces strong opposition from competitors and concerns from labor unions. The STB will conduct a rigorous evaluation to weigh the potential benefits and risks of the merger. The final decision will have a profound impact on the US railroad industry and supply chain. The STB's assessment will focus on the competitive landscape and potential disruptions to freight logistics.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hurricane Helen Nears Landfall ALAN Provides Logistics Aid

Hurricane Helen Nears Landfall ALAN Provides Logistics Aid

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has released its hurricane season logistics preparedness guide, assisting businesses in preparing for Hurricane Helene. The guide emphasizes safety first, leveraging ALAN's Supply Chain Intelligence Center for the latest information, proactively offering or requesting support, and avoiding unauthorized actions. ALAN encourages collaboration, urging support for relief efforts through donations and other means, to collectively address the challenges posed by hurricanes. The guide aims to improve logistics coordination and ensure effective aid delivery during and after the storm.

01/01/2026 Logistics
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ATA Carnet Digitalization to Streamline Global Trade by 2027

ATA Carnet Digitalization to Streamline Global Trade by 2027

The ATA/Istanbul Convention Administrative Committee aims for full digitalization of ATA Carnets by 2027, accelerating the global eATA transition through customs readiness guidelines and global training. The UK and Belgium completed the first fully digital round trip transaction, marking a new phase in digital customs clearance. Discussions also covered convention interpretation and manual updates, enhancing global trade efficiency, security, and sustainability. This initiative promotes trade facilitation by streamlining processes and reducing paperwork, leading to faster and more reliable international trade operations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mastercard Safaricom Partner to Enhance Kenyan Merchant Payments

Mastercard Safaricom Partner to Enhance Kenyan Merchant Payments

Safaricom and Mastercard have partnered to provide Kenyan merchants with seamless, secure, and scalable payment solutions by integrating M-PESA's merchant network with Mastercard's global payment infrastructure. This collaboration will also simplify cross-border remittance services. The initiative aims to boost Kenya's digital economy and enhance financial inclusion. The first steps are expected to be rolled out in the coming months, offering merchants and consumers alike improved access to digital financial services and contributing to the growth of the digital ecosystem in Kenya.

02/12/2026 International Settlement
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Kenyas Mobile Money Transactions Hit 10year High

Kenyas Mobile Money Transactions Hit 10year High

Central Bank of Kenya data reveals a 38% year-on-year surge in mobile payment agent transactions for the first 10 months of this year, reaching a decade high. Nearly 300,000 agents nationwide provide convenient cash deposit and withdrawal services, with the year-end holiday season expected to further boost transaction volumes. Mobile payment is profoundly reshaping Kenya's financial landscape, offering accessibility and convenience that traditional banking systems struggle to match. This growth highlights the significant role fintech plays in the Kenyan economy.

02/12/2026 International Settlement
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