US Rail Freight Sees Declines in Carload Intermodal Volumes

US Rail Freight Sees Declines in Carload Intermodal Volumes

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in early November, but cumulative volumes for the year remain in growth territory. Performance varied across freight categories, with grain shipments showing significant growth, while coal and automotive shipments faced pressure. The rail freight market presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring continuous innovation and service optimization. Overall, the U.S. rail freight industry navigates a complex landscape with varying sector performance and a need for adaptability to maintain growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Rail and Intermodal Freight Hit by Rising Fuel Costs

Rail and Intermodal Freight Hit by Rising Fuel Costs

According to the Association of American Railroads, rail freight and intermodal volumes have recently seen slight declines, but cumulative totals remain positive. Rising fuel costs are driving shippers to explore intermodal solutions, although performance varies across different commodity categories. Looking ahead, strengthened infrastructure development and supportive policies will be crucial for fostering the sustainable growth of rail freight and intermodal transportation. While recent trends show minor dips, the overall picture suggests continued reliance on rail and intermodal for efficient and cost-effective freight movement.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Economic Uncertainty

For the week ending November 8th, the US rail freight market presents a mixed picture: rail freight volume saw a slight increase, while intermodal volume declined. Year-to-date figures indicate a positive long-term trend. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics, optimize freight structures, improve service quality, embrace technological innovation, and seize policy opportunities to achieve sustainable development. The fluctuating intermodal data requires careful attention to understand shifting consumer preferences and supply chain adjustments.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending November 8th, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.1%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 8.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, carload traffic is up 1.8%, and intermodal traffic is up 2.5%. These figures reflect the ongoing structural adjustments within the U.S. economy, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the global supply chain.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Slightly Intermodal Declines in October

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly Intermodal Declines in October

U.S. rail freight saw a slight increase in overall volume, while intermodal transportation experienced a decline. Certain freight categories demonstrated growth, while others decreased. Despite short-term fluctuations, the long-term trend remains positive. Railroad companies need to improve operational efficiency and adapt to evolving market demands to capitalize on future opportunities. This includes optimizing resource allocation, enhancing customer service, and embracing technological advancements to maintain competitiveness and sustain growth in the rail freight sector.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads (AAR), U.S. rail carloads saw a slight increase of 0.3% for the week ending October 18th, but the growth rate slowed. Intermodal volume decreased by 4.8% year-over-year. Year-to-date, total carloads and intermodal volume have increased by 2.0% and 3.2%, respectively. The report highlights both market opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes and providing valuable insights for business decision-making.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Recent data reveals a mixed performance in the US rail freight market. Carload traffic saw a slight increase, but with significant structural divergence, with nonmetallic minerals outperforming while grains declined. Intermodal volume decreased, potentially due to cooling consumption and inventory adjustments. Year-to-date figures remain positive, but railway companies need to adapt to market changes and seize opportunities. The uneven performance highlights the need for strategic adjustments to navigate the evolving economic landscape and capitalize on growth areas within the rail freight sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic edged up 0.3% for the week ending October 18th, while intermodal traffic decreased by 4.8% year-over-year. Despite positive year-to-date cumulative figures, the market faces economic uncertainties and competitive pressures. Railroad companies need to improve efficiency and expand their business, and the government should increase infrastructure investment to jointly address the challenges.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in October but Up Yearly

US Rail Freight Declines in October but Up Yearly

US rail freight volume has recently decreased year-over-year, but shows a cumulative increase for the year. Shipments of commodities like automobiles and coal have declined, while metallic ores have increased. This fluctuation is influenced by factors such as the overall economy and supply chain dynamics. While weekly data shows drops, the year-to-date figures suggest continued, albeit slower, growth in rail freight, reflecting broader economic trends and the evolving landscape of commodity transportation.

10/31/2025 Logistics
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Freight Market Trends DAT Index Highlights Logistics Tech Shifts

Freight Market Trends DAT Index Highlights Logistics Tech Shifts

This paper delves into the DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI), interpreting freight market dynamics and exploring the application of technologies like AI and automation in logistics. Through case studies, it showcases technology-enabled logistics practices and forecasts future port development trends. This provides businesses with strategic insights to address challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving logistics landscape. The analysis offers a valuable reference for optimizing supply chains and leveraging technological advancements in the freight industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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