US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Coal Oil Gains Amid Container Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic showed mixed results for the week ending March 4th. While total carloads decreased year-over-year, shipments of commodities like coal and petroleum increased. However, container traffic experienced a significant decline, weighing down overall freight volume. Year-to-date, both U.S. and North American rail freight volumes have slightly decreased. The future trajectory remains uncertain, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the rail freight industry.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Report Exposes Hidden Surcharges in Global Air Freight Costs

Report Exposes Hidden Surcharges in Global Air Freight Costs

International air freight is composed of basic freight rates and surcharges. Surcharges are diverse and highly volatile. This article details the calculation methods of basic freight rates (by weight or volume) and provides an in-depth analysis of major surcharges such as fuel surcharges, war risk surcharges, security inspection fees, terminal handling charges, declared value charges, special cargo charges, peak season surcharges, and transfer fees. This helps readers understand the composition of air freight costs for better cost control.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Guide to Shipping from Guangzhous Haizhu to Taiwan

Guide to Shipping from Guangzhous Haizhu to Taiwan

This article details the requirements for sea freight shipments from Haizhu District, Guangzhou to Taiwan, including product name specifications, weight and volume, packaging standards, customs declaration documents, and special cargo declarations. It also provides an estimated timeline for sea freight logistics and offers important considerations to help businesses and individuals efficiently complete their sea freight operations. The aim is to provide a comprehensive guide for smooth and timely shipping from Guangzhou to Taiwan via sea freight.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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US Trucking Industry Hits Record High Amid Economic Growth

US Trucking Industry Hits Record High Amid Economic Growth

Data from the American Trucking Associations shows record high trucking freight volume in August, potentially signaling a positive economic outlook. The article analyzes the drivers behind this growth, including consumer spending and manufacturing activity. It also explores the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, such as driver shortages and fluctuating fuel prices. Overall, the outlook for the trucking industry is cautiously optimistic. The high freight volume suggests strong demand and economic activity, but the industry must navigate ongoing challenges to maintain its positive trajectory and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines Middecember Raising Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Declines Middecember Raising Economic Worries

US rail freight volume is declining, putting pressure on logistics at the end of the year. Commodity performance is diverging, and overall growth is slowing. Affected by multiple factors, companies should actively respond to challenges and seize opportunities. The decrease in freight volume impacts various sectors and highlights the need for businesses to adapt their strategies. Understanding the underlying causes and exploring multimodal transportation options are crucial for maintaining efficiency and mitigating potential losses in this evolving landscape. Strategic planning and proactive measures are essential for success in the face of these challenges.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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US Imports Surge As Shipping Strains Persist Descartes

US Imports Surge As Shipping Strains Persist Descartes

Descartes' latest report reveals that US import volume has exceeded 2.4 million TEUs for four consecutive months, highlighting pressure on ocean freight logistics. China-US trade remains robust, but port congestion is worsening. The report analyzes the impact of seasonal factors and unforeseen events, noting a trend towards diversification of US import origins. To address these challenges, the US needs to optimize its ocean freight logistics system to ensure continued economic growth. This includes improving port efficiency, addressing labor shortages, and investing in infrastructure to handle the increased volume.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

US Freight Decline Points to Economic Slowdown

The U.S. Freight Transportation Services Index (TSI) decreased in December for the first time in four months, ending a streak of consecutive increases. The index showed an overall growth of 1.0% for the year. However, factors such as supply chain disruptions remain important considerations. This decline warrants attention as broader economic indicators are analyzed and the impact of ongoing supply chain challenges is assessed.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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AFS Logistics Nightingale on Freight Market Challenges

AFS Logistics Nightingale on Freight Market Challenges

The President of AFS interprets the freight market, analyzing the Cowen/AFS Index and discussing topics such as peak season, capacity rates, nearshoring, and the Baltimore bridge collapse. The analysis provides valuable insights into current trends and challenges impacting the freight industry and offers perspectives on navigating these complexities within the broader supply chain landscape. This overview helps stakeholders understand the forces shaping freight costs and make informed decisions regarding their logistics strategies.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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TD Cowen Report Analyzes Q3 Freight Pricing Trends

TD Cowen Report Analyzes Q3 Freight Pricing Trends

The TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index Q3 report reveals a complex transformation in the US freight market. Parcel shipping sees unprecedented discounts, LTL pricing remains firm, while truckload demand is weak. The report analyzes data to forecast future trends, providing guidance for businesses in developing transportation strategies. Companies need to pay close attention to market dynamics and respond flexibly to stay competitive. This report highlights the importance of adaptability in navigating the current freight landscape.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Air Freight Costs Navigating Volumetric Weight Challenges

Global Air Freight Costs Navigating Volumetric Weight Challenges

This article provides an in-depth analysis of international air freight billing rules, focusing on concepts such as volumetric weight, actual weight, and chargeable weight calculations. It reveals industry practices related to handling shipments with high volume-to-weight ratios (often referred to as “dimensional weight” or “chargeable weight”). Through specific case studies, it helps shippers effectively control freight costs and enables freight forwarders to operate in compliance, minimizing potential risks. The article aims to provide practical guidance for both shippers and freight forwarders in navigating the complexities of international air freight pricing.

02/02/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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