US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late October

US Rail Freight Volumes Rebound in Late October

According to data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both experienced year-over-year growth in late October, with significant increases in shipments of metallic ores, nonmetallic minerals, and chemicals. However, year-to-date cumulative data shows a decline in intermodal volume compared to the previous year. Rail freight volume is influenced by various factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry trends, supply chains, and policies. Future focus should be on infrastructure investment and supply chain optimization.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results Carloads Up Intermodal Down

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending May 13th, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed performance. Carload traffic saw a slight increase of 0.9%, while intermodal traffic experienced a significant decline of 11.5%. Year-to-date figures reveal a 10.9% decrease in intermodal volume, negatively impacting overall freight volume. Businesses need to adapt to market changes, optimize supply chains, and proactively address these challenges. The decline in intermodal points to potential shifts in consumer demand and inventory management strategies.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Drop

US Rail Freight Mixed As Carload Rises Offset Intermodal Drop

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 1.1% for the week ending March 19th, while intermodal volume decreased by 5.7% year-over-year. Year-to-date, cumulative carload traffic is up 3%, but intermodal volume is down 7.1%. The overall trend in North American rail freight indicates a decline, highlighting supply chain challenges and regional interconnections. This divergence between carload and intermodal performance suggests shifts in freight patterns and potential bottlenecks within the broader logistics network.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Rise Intermodal Falls

The US rail freight market is showing a diverging trend: carload traffic is slightly increasing, while intermodal volume continues to decline. Coal and grain shipments are driving the growth in carload traffic, but slowing consumer demand and supply chain bottlenecks are contributing to the decrease in intermodal volume. Year-to-date data indicates that the decline in intermodal transportation is a long-term trend. Rail freight data reflects structural changes in the economy and provides valuable reference for business and government decision-making.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Rises in Containers

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Rises in Containers

The Association of American Railroads reports a mixed picture for rail freight: carload volume is down year-over-year due to economic restructuring and increased competition. However, container traffic is growing, driven by multimodal transportation and global trade. Railroads need to actively transform and embrace technological innovation to meet these market challenges. The container segment's growth highlights the importance of intermodal solutions and the continued relevance of rail in global supply chains, despite overall freight volume declines in other areas.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Temporary Dip or Longterm Trend

US Rail Freight Decline Temporary Dip or Longterm Trend

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume decreased year-over-year in the first week of November, but year-to-date figures remain positive. Grain and metallic ores shipments increased, while coal, motor vehicles & parts shipments declined. The intermodal volume decrease may be due to truck competition and easing port congestion. Despite challenges such as energy transition and technological changes, the long-term outlook for the U.S. rail freight industry remains positive.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Some Sectors Show Resilience

US Rail Freight Declines Some Sectors Show Resilience

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both declined year-over-year for the week ending February 4th. Automobiles & parts and petroleum & nonmetallic minerals showed strong performance, while coal, grain, and chemicals experienced volume decreases. Overall, North American rail performance was slightly better than the U.S. The rail freight market is in a period of transition, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The data suggests shifts in demand across different commodity sectors impacting the overall freight volume.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight and Intermodal Volumes Increase Despite Economic Challenges

US Rail Freight and Intermodal Volumes Increase Despite Economic Challenges

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume increased year-over-year for the week ending March 20, but growth slowed. Freight volume performance varied across commodities, while intermodal was constrained by port congestion. Cumulative data presents a mixed picture, and the full-year trend remains to be seen. The rail transport industry faces challenges such as aging infrastructure and labor shortages, but also opportunities from economic recovery and environmental policies. Overall performance needs further observation.

01/19/2026 Logistics
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Uschina Air Freight Costs Trends and Efficiency Tips

Uschina Air Freight Costs Trends and Efficiency Tips

This article delves into the cost structure of US-China air freight import and export trade, revealing key factors influencing freight rates and discussing the trade-offs of air transport. By understanding components like basic freight, fuel surcharges, security fees, and customs duties, as well as factors such as cargo weight, volume, and distance, businesses can make informed air freight decisions. This helps to reduce costs and enhance international competitiveness by optimizing their air freight strategy.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds in October Amid Mixed Annual Results

US Rail Freight Rebounds in October Amid Mixed Annual Results

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a rebound in U.S. rail freight volume in late October, with carloads up 1.5% and intermodal volume up 2.1% year-over-year. Metallic ores led the carload gains, while coal and grain faced pressure. Year-to-date, carloads are up slightly by 0.3%, but intermodal volume is down 7.4%. The rail industry needs to address challenges and seize opportunities to achieve sustainable development.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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