US Rail Freight Carloads Drop As Intermodal Rises

US Rail Freight Carloads Drop As Intermodal Rises

The US rail freight market is diverging, with carload traffic declining while intermodal transportation is growing. Influenced by macroeconomic conditions and supply chain dynamics, railway companies need to enhance efficiency and innovation. The decline in carload shipments reflects shifts in commodity demand and production patterns. The rise of intermodal, involving truck-rail-truck transport, suggests a need for integrated logistics solutions. These trends highlight the importance of monitoring economic indicators and adapting to evolving market demands to maintain competitiveness and profitability in the rail freight sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Guide to Strategic International Air Freight Booking

Guide to Strategic International Air Freight Booking

This article details the five standard processes of international air freight booking, including application submission, quotation review, space confirmation, cargo preparation, and cargo tracking. Specific best booking time suggestions are provided for different types of cargo and transportation needs. The aim is to help shippers efficiently complete international air freight, reduce transportation costs, and ensure transportation timeliness. It offers practical guidance for optimizing the booking process and selecting the ideal time to secure air freight capacity, leading to smoother and more cost-effective international shipments.

01/30/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Nmftas Classit Streamlines LTL Freight Costs Classification

Nmftas Classit Streamlines LTL Freight Costs Classification

NMFTA released the most significant update to the NMFC system in nearly 90 years, aiming to optimize LTL freight classification and enhance efficiency and transparency. The new rules emphasize accurate declaration of cargo density and dimensions, and introduce the ClassIT+ digital platform to help businesses reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. While FedEx Freight has delayed implementation, the industry generally recognizes and is actively adapting to this transformation. The update seeks to modernize the system and provide a more accurate and streamlined classification process for LTL shipments.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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DHL Launches Integrated US Import Customs Service

DHL Launches Integrated US Import Customs Service

DHL Global Forwarding introduces an integrated customs clearance service for US imports, designed to help retailers navigate evolving trade landscapes and tariff complexities. By streamlining customs processes and reducing costs, the service consolidates multiple shipments into a single entry for clearance, offering businesses a more efficient and economical solution. This helps retailers reduce costs and improve efficiency, enabling them to succeed during peak seasons. The new service aims to simplify the import process and provide a competitive edge in the dynamic e-commerce market.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Imports West Coast Shift

East Coast Port Strike Threatens Retail Imports West Coast Shift

The National Retail Federation reports a potential surge in August import volume due to retailers front-loading shipments and shifting to the West Coast amid East and Gulf Coast port strike risks. Labor negotiation stalemates and the Red Sea crisis exacerbate existing supply chain challenges, highlighting the importance of supply chain resilience. Retailers need to closely monitor developments and develop contingency plans to ensure business continuity. This proactive approach is crucial to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the combined pressures on global trade routes and labor relations.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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East Coast Strike Fears Prompt US Ports to Prepare for Import Surge

East Coast Strike Fears Prompt US Ports to Prepare for Import Surge

US import volume may surge in August due to potential strikes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Retailers are taking precautions, diverting shipments to West Coast ports. Negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance have stalled, increasing the risk of a strike. The Red Sea crisis is also impacting supply chains. Full-year throughput for 2024 is projected to increase by 12.1% compared to 2023, potentially reflecting these preemptive measures and overall increased demand despite ongoing global challenges.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Guide to HS Codes for Efficient International Shipping

Guide to HS Codes for Efficient International Shipping

This article provides a detailed guide to filling out HS codes for international express shipments. It covers pre-filling preparation, regulatory requirements, common pitfalls, and error correction methods. It emphasizes using official channels to find the correct code, focusing on the core attributes of the goods for classification, accurately completing commercial invoices and waybills, avoiding blanket codes, ensuring code consistency with declaration information, handling special goods specifically, and promptly correcting errors. This helps avoid potential issues, improve customs clearance efficiency, and ensure smooth global shipping.

01/30/2026 HS Code Query
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Weihaiphilippines Sea Route Enhances Trade Efficiency

Weihaiphilippines Sea Route Enhances Trade Efficiency

The Weihai-Philippines sea freight line is a crucial channel connecting China-Philippines trade, offering regular schedules, strong carrying capacity, and professional services to ensure efficient and safe cargo transportation. Compared to air freight, sea freight boasts lower costs and supports bulk shipments, while also being a more environmentally friendly transportation method. By choosing this dedicated line, businesses can reduce expenses, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to sustainable development. It provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for businesses engaged in trade between China and the Philippines.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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Integration of Yangtze River Delta Railway Logistics Centers Enhancing Service and Efficiency to Support High-quality Development

Integration of Yangtze River Delta Railway Logistics Centers Enhancing Service and Efficiency to Support High-quality Development

The Yangtze River Delta railway has improved logistics efficiency by integrating existing freight centers, contributing to high-quality economic development. The application of new transportation models and equipment has optimized diverse transportation products. This series of reforms marks a further transformation of railway logistics into the modern service industry.

07/23/2025 Logistics
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