US Rail Freight Declines in May Amid Coal Chemical Gains

US Rail Freight Declines in May Amid Coal Chemical Gains

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year in late May, though coal and chemical shipments bucked the trend with gains. Year-to-date, freight traffic saw a slight increase, while intermodal continued its decline. Supply chain managers should pay attention to factors such as inflation and geopolitical risks, and strengthen demand forecasting and diversify transportation channels to mitigate potential disruptions.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
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
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Chemical Gains Grain Drops in March

US Rail Freight Sees Chemical Gains Grain Drops in March

According to data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), U.S. rail freight in March showed a mixed picture. Chemical shipments saw a significant increase, while grain and petroleum shipments declined. Intermodal traffic remained sluggish. An AAR executive stated that the economic direction is unclear, and uncertainty persists. Railway companies need to pay close attention to economic trends and seize market opportunities. Overall, the rail freight data reflects the current ambiguity and volatility within the broader economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 4.2% for the week ending January 14th. However, intermodal containers and trailers decreased by 7% year-over-year. Total North American rail traffic experienced a slight decline, reflecting evolving supply chain dynamics and market challenges. The mixed performance indicates a complex landscape for rail freight, with carload growth potentially offset by weakness in intermodal transportation. This highlights the need for adaptability and strategic planning in the economic logistics sector.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Growth Uneven in May Key Sectors Gain

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven in May Key Sectors Gain

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail traffic and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in May, although commodities like crushed stone, motor vehicles, and food products experienced growth. The AAR suggests the data reflects a mixed economic picture. Overall rail traffic volumes edged up slightly in the first five months, while intermodal volumes decreased. Future rail freight development hinges on macroeconomic conditions, supply chains, geopolitical factors, and industry transformation. The performance of specific sectors highlights the nuanced nature of the current economic environment.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Mixed Economic Signals in May

US Rail Freight Volumes Reflect Mixed Economic Signals in May

US rail freight volumes decreased overall in May, but some commodities saw growth, reflecting a mixed economic picture. Carload traffic experienced a slight increase in the first five months of the year, while intermodal shipments declined. These trends provide insights into the current state of the supply chain and broader economic activity, highlighting both areas of resilience and ongoing challenges within the freight transportation sector.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
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
Read More
US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volume

Recent data presents a mixed picture for US rail freight. Carload traffic experienced year-over-year growth, suggesting recovery in some traditional industries. However, container traffic saw a slight decline, reflecting challenges in global trade. Several factors will influence future freight volumes, including economic growth, inflation, and geopolitical events. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing the overall health of the US economy and its interconnectedness with global markets. The performance of rail freight serves as a valuable indicator of broader economic trends.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Freight Rail Industry Adapts to Economic Shifts for Growth

US Freight Rail Industry Adapts to Economic Shifts for Growth

The RailTrends conference focuses on the challenges facing the rail freight industry, including labor negotiations, service, and regulation. The report highlights labor relations, analyzes the role of the Surface Transportation Board (STB), and provides a forward-looking perspective on the industry's future development. Key topics include navigating the complexities of labor agreements, understanding the impact of regulatory policies on operations, and adapting to evolving market demands within the freight sector. The conference aims to equip stakeholders with insights to address these challenges and foster sustainable growth.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in June Amid Slumping Demand

US Rail Freight Volumes Decline in June Amid Slumping Demand

US rail freight volume declined year-over-year in June, with intermodal traffic experiencing a significant drop. While some categories like chemicals saw growth, others such as coal decreased. Cumulative freight volume saw a slight decrease, while intermodal volume declined substantially, influenced by economic factors. The overall downturn reflects broader economic trends and challenges within the supply chain impacting rail transportation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
Read More