US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed divergence in the week ending August 7th. Carload traffic increased by 6.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by strong demand for metallic ores and coal. However, intermodal volume decreased by 0.6% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and truck driver shortages. While year-to-date figures remain positive, supply chain challenges and industrial restructuring remain key areas of focus moving forward.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Central Freight Shutdown Tightens LTL Market Sparks Rival Growth

Central Freight Shutdown Tightens LTL Market Sparks Rival Growth

The closure of Central Freight Lines intensifies the oligopolistic trend in the US Less-than-Truckload (LTL) freight market. Competitors like Saia and ABF Freight are likely to benefit from this situation. Shippers may face fewer options and potentially higher costs. Knight-Swift Transportation could capitalize on this opportunity to expand its presence in the LTL sector. The market is seeing increased consolidation, leaving fewer players and potentially impacting pricing dynamics for shippers nationwide as they navigate a changing landscape.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

US Rail Freight Shifts Intermodal Rises As Coal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in the first two weeks of January was mixed. Intermodal traffic increased by 11.6% year-over-year, driven by e-commerce and supply chain optimization. Traditional carloads decreased by 1.8% year-over-year, with a significant decline in coal shipments, reflecting the energy transition. Rail operators need to adjust their strategies and pay attention to market changes. Policymakers should support railway infrastructure development to promote intermodal transportation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Brands Turn to Air Freight Amid Supply Chain Delays

Brands Turn to Air Freight Amid Supply Chain Delays

Global supply chains remain constrained, prompting brands like Levi Strauss and PVH to increase reliance on air freight to ensure product availability. While costly air transport offers a temporary solution, long-term strategies are crucial. Companies need to optimize their supply chains by diversifying production locations, strengthening logistics partnerships, and embracing digitalization. This will enhance supply chain resilience, address future challenges, and meet consumer expectations for timely and sustainable product delivery. The focus should be on building a more robust and adaptable supply chain to mitigate future disruptions.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Old Dominion Freight Line Posts Strong Growth Amid Expansion

Old Dominion Freight Line Posts Strong Growth Amid Expansion

Old Dominion Freight Line reported solid growth in February despite severe weather, with a 9.2% year-over-year increase in daily revenue, driven by increased LTL freight volume and improved service. The company is actively expanding its service network and enhancing operational efficiency, expressing confidence in future development. The article analyzes the drivers of this growth, the company's strategic positioning, and offers a perspective on the evolving landscape of the LTL transportation market.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Fedex Freight Adapts to Ecommerce Boom Amid Spring Demand

Fedex Freight Adapts to Ecommerce Boom Amid Spring Demand

FedEx Freight Direct, a specialized service focusing on the 'last mile' delivery of oversized goods, actively addresses the peak season of e-commerce oversized item delivery, like 'spring yards', through a customer-centric design, flexible operational strategies, and robust network support. The service continuously optimizes its delivery model to meet the growing expectations of consumers and maintain a leading position in a highly competitive market. This commitment to improvement ensures efficient and reliable delivery of large items directly to customers' homes.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Air Vs Sea Freight Comparing Cost Speed and Capacity

Air Vs Sea Freight Comparing Cost Speed and Capacity

This article provides an in-depth comparison of international air and sea freight, examining differences in speed, cost, capacity, scope, security, and procedures. It offers a selection guide to help you make informed decisions between the two based on cargo characteristics, volume, destination, and budget. The guide aims to optimize your international logistics solutions by choosing the most suitable transportation method for your specific needs.

01/19/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Direct Vs Transit Key Choices in International Air Freight

Direct Vs Transit Key Choices in International Air Freight

This article provides an in-depth comparison between direct and transit international air freight, focusing on differences in transportation routes, time efficiency, costs, security, and route coverage. It offers time efficiency references for different routes and suggests suitable application scenarios. This helps you make optimal decisions regarding urgent cargo, cost control, and destination selection, ultimately improving the efficiency of your international trade. The comparison aims to provide insights for choosing the best option based on specific needs and priorities.

01/19/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Ocean Freight Rates Volatility Driven by Market Forces

Global Ocean Freight Rates Volatility Driven by Market Forces

International shipping costs fluctuate due to various factors including supply and demand, operating costs, geopolitics, and port efficiency. Capacity shortages, rising costs, geopolitical conflicts, port congestion, and digital pricing all contribute to the rollercoaster-like fluctuations in shipping rates. Exporters and importers need to closely monitor market dynamics and respond flexibly to these changes. Understanding these underlying drivers is crucial for mitigating risks and optimizing supply chain strategies in the face of unpredictable market conditions.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

US Rail Freight Slump Hides Longterm Growth AAR Report

Recent data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR) shows a short-term year-over-year decline in rail freight and intermodal volumes, but cumulative year-to-date figures remain positive. Performance varies across market segments, with significant potential in intermodal transportation. Rail freight faces challenges like truck competition and labor shortages, but also benefits from economic growth and technological innovation. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand services, embracing change to achieve sustainable growth.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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