Rail Industry Leader Addresses Infrastructure Bill Supply Chain Issues

Rail Industry Leader Addresses Infrastructure Bill Supply Chain Issues

This article provides an in-depth analysis of an interview with Ian Jefferies, President of the Association of American Railroads (AAR), focusing on the impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, White House executive orders, and the global supply chain on rail freight. It examines the role and challenges of railways within the supply chain, and forecasts future trends in rail and intermodal transportation, offering readers a clear picture of the industry landscape. The analysis highlights the interplay between policy, infrastructure, and global events shaping the future of rail freight.

02/11/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Sees Carload Gains but Container Slump

US Rail Freight Sees Carload Gains but Container Slump

Data from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed picture for US rail freight: carload traffic is up, but container traffic is down. Analysis suggests port congestion and truck driver shortages are hindering container transport, potentially exacerbating inflation and impacting corporate profits and economic growth. The fragility of the global supply chain warrants attention. The decline in container volume despite overall rail freight growth highlights specific bottlenecks and challenges within the logistics network, impacting the efficient movement of goods.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Rising Carloads Falling Container Traffic

US Rail Freight Sees Rising Carloads Falling Container Traffic

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.5% for the week ending September 11th, year-over-year. Shipments of commodities like coal and metallic ores rose, while container traffic decreased by 8.3% compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date figures show growth in both carload and container volumes. The article analyzes the contributing factors behind these trends and provides strategic recommendations for freight companies navigating the current market dynamics. The overall picture suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing rail freight in the context of economic recovery.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Auto Sector Decline

US Rail Freight Gains Offset by Auto Sector Decline

Data from the Association of American Railroads indicates overall growth in U.S. rail freight during late July. Carload traffic increased by 7.1%, and intermodal traffic rose by 2.6%. Coal and metallic ores saw significant gains in freight volume, while motor vehicles and parts experienced a substantial decline, reflecting an uneven economic recovery. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume shows considerable growth. However, supply chain challenges persist, suggesting continued complexities in the movement of goods despite the positive freight data.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US rail freight traffic increased by 1.4% in April, driven by coal, automobiles, and chemical products. Intermodal volume decreased by 3.1%, with a cumulative decrease of 6.6% since the beginning of the year. It is necessary to pay attention to market changes and respond to challenges. The increase in rail freight suggests positive economic activity in those sectors, while the decline in intermodal volume warrants further investigation to understand the underlying causes and potential impact on the overall economy.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Coal Chemicals Rise As Intermodal Slows

US Rail Freight Coal Chemicals Rise As Intermodal Slows

US rail freight saw a slight increase in March, with carload traffic up 1.1%, while intermodal traffic decreased by 5.7%. Year-to-date, carload traffic has increased by 3%, but intermodal volume has fallen by 7.1%. This indicates a mixed performance in the rail freight sector, with traditional carload shipments showing positive growth, while intermodal transportation continues to struggle. The overall impact on the supply chain remains to be seen, as these trends may reflect broader economic shifts.

02/11/2026 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 March 19, U.S. rail carloads increased by 1.1% year-over-year, while intermodal traffic decreased by 5.7%. Coal and chemical shipments rose, while grain and petroleum product shipments declined. Total North American rail traffic also showed a downward trend, reflecting a complex and dynamic market environment. The data provides insights into the current state of freight transportation and broader economic activity.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results in March 2022

US Rail Freight Sees Mixed Results in March 2022

For the week of March 26, 2022, U.S. rail freight showed a mixed trend. Carload traffic increased slightly by 0.5%, mainly driven by increased coal and chemical shipments. However, intermodal traffic declined significantly by 6.2%, reflecting persistent supply chain bottlenecks. Overall North American rail traffic also experienced a year-over-year decrease. The data suggests the U.S. economy faces multiple challenges, including supply chain issues, structural adjustments, and inflation.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Economic Shifts

US Rail Freight Faces Mixed Demand Amid Economic Shifts

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic saw a slight increase in the week ending March 26, but intermodal volume declined. Coal, chemicals, and motor vehicle & parts carloads increased, while petroleum, grain, and metallic ores carloads decreased. Overall, North American rail freight is facing downward pressure. Railroad companies need to strengthen infrastructure construction, expand diversified businesses, embrace green development, and improve service quality.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Weak Demand Challenges

US Rail Freight Volumes Drop Amid Weak Demand Challenges

US rail freight and intermodal volume have decreased year-over-year, with declines in grain and metal shipments. This trend could potentially drive up commodity prices. Addressing this requires optimizing supply chains and increasing investment to promote upgrades. The decline in rail freight volume may be indicative of a broader economic slowdown and highlights the importance of resilient and efficient supply chain infrastructure.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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