US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Outlook Steady

US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Outlook Steady

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending September 6, potentially due to the Labor Day holiday. Performance varied across different commodity categories, with year-to-date volumes for both freight and intermodal still showing growth. Future trends will be influenced by a multitude of factors including the macroeconomy, energy transition, supply chain restructuring, and infrastructure investments.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results As Carloads Intermodal Dip

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results As Carloads Intermodal Dip

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending October 25th, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased by 0.9% year-over-year, and intermodal traffic declined by 6.1%. Despite recent weakness, year-to-date carload and intermodal volumes are up 9.1% and 3.0% respectively, indicating a positive long-term trend. Looking ahead, the rail freight market faces challenges such as economic uncertainty and labor shortages, but also opportunities including infrastructure investments and a focus on sustainable development.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

US Rail Freight Sees Container Boom As Coal Demand Falls

Recent US rail freight data reveals a significant increase in container traffic driven by e-commerce growth. However, demand for traditional commodities like coal continues to decline, leading to a divergence in overall freight volumes. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume remains lower than last year. Railway companies are actively pursuing diversification and intelligent transformation strategies to address these challenges. The shift reflects broader trends in energy consumption and the evolving landscape of the transportation sector, requiring adaptation and innovation for sustained growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

US Rail Freight Container Volumes Rise As Traditional Cargo Slows

The latest data from the Association of American Railroads shows a significant increase in container traffic, reaching a record high, while traditional freight volumes are mixed. Although cumulative year-to-date figures still face pressure, the industry remains confident about the future and is actively transforming and upgrading. It is embracing technological innovation to adapt to market changes. The surge in container shipments suggests a strengthening supply chain and potentially signals positive momentum in the broader economic recovery.

01/17/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Freight Industry Braces for Hours of Service Rule Review

US Freight Industry Braces for Hours of Service Rule Review

New US freight regulations aim to improve trucking efficiency and flexibility but face Democratic scrutiny, potentially delaying implementation. The rules involve revisions to rest breaks, sleeper berth provisions, adverse driving conditions, and short-haul exemptions. Industry associations express concerns while anticipating greater flexibility for drivers. The ultimate fate of the regulations hinges on congressional negotiations and court rulings. These changes aim to modernize the industry, but their implementation is uncertain given the political landscape. The outcome will significantly impact trucking operations nationwide.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Freight Market Shows Signs of Recovery Trucking Index Rises

US Freight Market Shows Signs of Recovery Trucking Index Rises

The U.S. Trucking Conditions Index (TCI) reading for November reached a near two-year high, signaling a potential turnaround in the freight market. The report analyzes key factors influencing the TCI, including freight volume, freight rates, and fuel costs. It also provides recommendations for industry players to address challenges and seize opportunities. Experts advise cautious optimism and attention to policy changes. This positive trend suggests a potential recovery in the trucking sector, but careful monitoring of economic indicators remains crucial for informed decision-making.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Networks Face Challenges and Opportunities in Intermodal Freight

US Rail Networks Face Challenges and Opportunities in Intermodal Freight

Larry Gross analyzes the intermodal transportation market, highlighting railroad cooperation as a significant trend. However, he cautions about the risks associated with mergers and acquisitions, as well as the impact of tariffs. Businesses should remain adaptable and flexible in response to these evolving market dynamics. The analysis emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and proactive measures to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the changing landscape of intermodal freight transportation.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
TD Cowen Analyst Assesses Freight Market Amid Tariffs Economic Shifts

TD Cowen Analyst Assesses Freight Market Amid Tariffs Economic Shifts

TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl analyzes the current state of the freight economy, the impact of tariffs, LTL and truckload market trends, and the application of AI in logistics. The article delves into economic recovery signals, tariff response strategies, the strategic significance of AI, the long-term value of nearshoring, and the opportunities and challenges in the M&A market. It provides valuable insights for businesses to understand freight market trends, offering guidance on navigating the evolving landscape and making informed decisions in a dynamic environment.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Growth Uneven As Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The latest US rail freight data reveals a year-over-year increase in carload traffic, driven by strong demand for nonmetallic minerals, coal, and motor vehicle parts. However, intermodal container and trailer volumes declined year-over-year, reflecting easing supply chain bottlenecks and cooling consumer demand. Overall North American rail freight volumes show a similar diverging trend. Moving forward, railway companies need to improve operational efficiency and expand their business areas to address challenges and seize opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Trends Carloads Rise Containers Fall

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a divergence in US rail freight volume in late January. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive industries. However, container transport decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, potentially due to shifts in consumer spending and supply chain adjustments. Overall freight volume in North America exhibited a similar trend. The increase in carload was enough to offset the container decrease, showing resilience in certain sectors of the rail freight market.

01/28/2026 Logistics
Read More