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, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year in the week ending January 21st, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.7%. Cumulative data for the first three weeks of the year shows a 3% increase in carloads and an 8.4% decrease in intermodal volume. Overall, North American rail freight presents a mixed picture, with the market influenced by a combination of economic conditions, supply chains, and energy prices.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Declines

US Rail Freight Rises Slightly As Intermodal Declines

According to the Association of American Railroads, for the week ending August 20, U.S. rail carloads increased by 2.9% year-over-year, while intermodal volume decreased by 2.4%. Year-to-date carloads are roughly flat compared to last year, but intermodal volume is down 5.5%. Overall, North American rail freight has seen slight growth, but continues to face challenges from global economic slowdown and supply chain disruptions. Railroad companies need to innovate to address these challenges and seize opportunities.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Traffic Slows

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Traffic Slows

According to the Association of American Railroads, total U.S. rail traffic decreased year-over-year for the week ending August 19th. Carload volume saw a slight decline, but shipments of commodities like automobiles, coal, and petroleum increased. Intermodal container and trailer traffic experienced a significant drop. Cumulative data for 2023 shows a slight increase in carload volume, but intermodal continues to face pressure. The rail freight market is facing both challenges and opportunities, requiring transformation and upgrades.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Trucking Volumes Rise Signaling Economic Strength in October

US Trucking Volumes Rise Signaling Economic Strength in October

US truckload volume increased year-over-year but decreased month-over-month in October, potentially signaling a positive economic outlook. Industry executives express cautious optimism, acknowledging ongoing challenges such as driver shortages. This mixed performance reflects a complex economic landscape where demand for goods remains relatively strong, but logistical hurdles persist, impacting the efficiency and overall growth of the freight sector. Monitoring truckload volume provides valuable insights into the health and direction of the US economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Trucking Industry Sees Rising Rates Despite Falling Freight Demand

Trucking Industry Sees Rising Rates Despite Falling Freight Demand

The US trucking market in September saw a decrease in volume but an increase in rates. Experts believe the rate hike wasn't demand-driven, possibly due to capacity imbalance. The peak season outlook is pessimistic, suggesting continued challenges. Freight forwarders and carriers need to strengthen market analysis, optimize operations, and improve service quality to navigate the uncertainty. The rising rates may not be sustainable without corresponding volume growth, indicating a potentially volatile market environment in the coming months.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Declines in Carloads but Gains in Intermodal

Recent data reveals a mixed picture for the US rail freight market. While carload volume experienced a slight year-over-year decrease, shipments of chemicals, automobiles & parts, and grain performed strongly. Intermodal transportation showed robust growth, serving as a key driver for the market's expansion. Year-to-date figures further confirm this trend, indicating a transitional period for the rail freight market. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and seize emerging opportunities. Intermodal's strength suggests a shift in freight patterns and highlights its growing importance in the supply chain.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

US Rail Freight Slump Signals Economic Worries

Recent data reveals a year-over-year decline in both U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes. While commodities like automotive, coal, and petroleum products experienced growth, grains, forest products, and agricultural goods faced declines. Intermodal volume also decreased. Rail freight confronts challenges including macroeconomic conditions, supply chain issues, and industry competition. To address these, the industry needs to enhance efficiency, expand markets, embrace green transformation, and strengthen collaboration. The overall trend indicates a complex interplay of factors impacting the rail freight sector, requiring strategic adaptation for future growth.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Surge Points to Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Surge Points to Economic Recovery

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows that U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes both increased year-over-year for the week ending July 24th. Significant growth was seen in the transportation of coal and metallic ores, while volumes of motor vehicles & parts and farm products declined. The substantial increase in cumulative freight volume over the first 29 weeks of 2021 indicates that rail transportation is playing a vital role in the U.S. economic recovery. Total carloads and intermodal units reflect a positive trend in freight activity.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Container Volumes

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates mixed performance for U.S. rail freight for the week ending December 6th. Carload traffic increased year-over-year, driven by demand for commodities like coal and grain. However, container traffic declined compared to the previous year, reflecting challenges in global trade. Cumulative data for the first 49 weeks of 2025 shows overall freight volume growth. However, caution is advised regarding the potential impact of future economic uncertainties on rail freight performance. The container decline warrants attention as a potential leading indicator.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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Air Freight Surge Signals Global Economic Rebound

Air Freight Surge Signals Global Economic Rebound

This paper delves into the value of air freight data as a leading indicator of global economic turning points. By comparing trends in air cargo volume and world trade, it reveals air freight's leading role in economic cycles. It also explores factors influencing the long-term trends of air freight and analyzes the causes of the recent air cargo collapse. Finally, it offers a perspective on the future path of economic recovery, emphasizing the importance of consumer confidence and a robust banking system. The analysis suggests air freight can provide early signals for economic shifts.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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