US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US Rail Freight Rebounds in August on Chemical Intermodal Gains

US rail freight saw a slight increase in the last week of August, with gains in both carloads and intermodal units. Performance varied across commodity categories. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume also showed growth. This data provides insights into the current economic landscape and can be used for further analysis of freight trends and their impact on the broader economy. The modest uptick suggests continued, albeit uneven, economic activity.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volume Rises in Early August

US Rail Freight Volume Rises in Early August

For the week ending August 2, 2025, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic both showed year-over-year growth. Total rail carloads increased by 6.4%, while intermodal containers and trailers grew by 0.2%. Year-to-date, total rail carloads are up 2.8%, and intermodal volume has increased by 4.7%. These figures suggest a degree of activity in the U.S. economy, but future development remains subject to various influencing factors.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Traffic Declines in Midseptember

US Rail Freight Traffic Declines in Midseptember

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 0.5% and intermodal volume declined by 2.6% for the week ending September 13. Despite recent weakness, year-to-date rail freight and intermodal traffic are still up 2.3% and 3.8%, respectively. The report highlights growth in sectors like chemicals and automobiles, alongside declines in coal and agricultural products, reflecting structural shifts within the U.S. economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Volume Rises Slightly in Late August

US Rail Freight Volume Rises Slightly in Late August

U.S. rail freight saw a slight increase overall, with intermodal transportation experiencing growth. Chemical shipments rose, while petroleum shipments declined. Both total freight volume and intermodal volume increased throughout the year, indicating positive trends in the railway sector and its contribution to the broader economy. This growth suggests a continued reliance on rail for moving goods across the country, particularly for intermodal solutions that integrate rail with other modes of transport.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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E2open CEO Identifies Top Logistics Industry Trends

E2open CEO Identifies Top Logistics Industry Trends

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzes three major trends in the current logistics industry: the transformation of the freight economy, the impact of declining imports on ports, and supply chain diversification and resilience. Businesses need to pay attention to market dynamics, embrace digitalization, build diversified supply chains, and support decision-making with data analysis. Focusing on these areas will allow companies to navigate the evolving landscape and improve their overall performance.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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China Launches Antitrust Probe Into Google Amid US Trade Tensions

China Launches Antitrust Probe Into Google Amid US Trade Tensions

China has implemented retaliatory measures against US tariff policies, imposing tariffs on US goods such as coal and liquefied natural gas. Simultaneously, China has launched an anti-monopoly investigation into Google. This move is widely seen as a response to US trade protectionism, signaling an escalation of trade friction between the two countries. This escalation poses potential challenges to the global economy, adding uncertainty to international trade and investment flows.

02/04/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Chamber Warns Aging Infrastructure Risks Global Trade

US Chamber Warns Aging Infrastructure Risks Global Trade

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warns that aging U.S. infrastructure is causing bottlenecks at ports and in cities, exacerbating global trade delays. They urge swift modernization upgrades. Modernizing infrastructure will not only improve efficiency and reduce costs but also enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global economy and create jobs. This investment is crucial to alleviate current supply chain issues and ensure the long-term economic prosperity of the United States.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Shanxi and Indonesia Strengthen Ties Via Trade and Tourism

Shanxi and Indonesia Strengthen Ties Via Trade and Tourism

Despite the geographical distance between Shanxi and Indonesia, cooperation in economy, culture, and tourism has built a bridge of communication. The strong strategic partnership between the two countries is reflected in growing trade volume, increasing cultural exchange, and significant potential for tourism cooperation. The collaboration between Shanxi and Indonesia exemplifies how mutual benefits and win-win outcomes can be achieved across vast distances, fostering stronger ties and shared prosperity.

02/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Fall Container Traffic Rises

US Rail Freight Mixed Carloads Fall Container Traffic Rises

U.S. rail freight traffic decreased by 5.2% year-over-year, although carload, agricultural products, and petroleum shipments increased. Container traffic growth slowed. This reflects the structural adjustment of the U.S. economy, indicating a need for businesses to embrace digital transformation to adapt to the changing landscape and maintain competitiveness. The shift in commodity transportation highlights evolving consumer demands and supply chain dynamics, requiring businesses to optimize their operations and logistics strategies.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Growth Signals Economic Recovery

US Rail Freight Growth Signals Economic Recovery

U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes continue to rise, indicating an economic recovery. Increased shipments of coal and ore are observed, and intermodal transportation is showing strong performance. This growth suggests a positive trend in the overall economy, driven by increased demand for goods and materials transported via rail. The robust intermodal activity further highlights the efficiency and importance of this transportation mode in facilitating trade and commerce.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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