North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

North American Intermodal Rebounds in Q4 Amid Annual Challenges

The North American intermodal market saw year-over-year growth in Q4 2023, ending a nine-quarter decline, though full-year figures remained down. Inventory reduction, economic growth, and the resolution of West Coast labor contracts were key drivers of the Q4 increase. Intermodal is expected to continue growing in 2024 but faces challenges from trucking competition and global "X factors." The recovery suggests a positive trend in the freight market, potentially linked to broader economic recovery efforts, but sustained growth depends on navigating these external pressures.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

North American Intermodal Volume Falls in July Recovery Expected

According to the Intermodal Association of North America, intermodal volumes in July decreased by 9.8% year-over-year, with a cumulative decrease of 9.6% for the year. Key factors include economic downturn, high inventory levels, and reduced consumer demand. The association anticipates a potential recovery in the second half of the year. Businesses should focus on monitoring the economic situation, optimizing operations, expanding services, strengthening technological innovation, and deepening collaboration to address challenges and seize opportunities.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Intermodal Decline Eases in September Signaling Possible Rebound

US Intermodal Decline Eases in September Signaling Possible Rebound

U.S. intermodal volume decreased by 4.0% year-over-year in September 2023, though the decline narrowed, with domestic container shipments showing growth. Economic weakness, high inventories, and truck competition are key challenges. The Intermodal Association of North America anticipates improvement in the second half of the year, but experts believe intense market competition makes recovery challenging. Intermodal transportation needs to enhance services, optimize networks, strengthen technology applications, and deepen cooperation to address challenges and seize opportunities. The market remains competitive, and the path to recovery is uncertain.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Cass Freight Index Reveals Key Trends in Cargo Market

Cass Freight Index Reveals Key Trends in Cargo Market

The latest Cass Freight Index reveals a mixed picture for the freight market in November: while shipment volumes slightly decreased, expenditures continued to rise. Experts believe the market is generally stable, but declining imports suggest a potential softening of short-term trends. Businesses should closely monitor market dynamics, optimize operational efficiency, embrace digital transformation, and strengthen risk management to seize opportunities in a complex and volatile market environment. Overall, the index highlights the need for agility and strategic planning in navigating the current logistics landscape.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Declines in September Grain Shipments Rise

US Rail Freight Declines in September Grain Shipments Rise

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a year-over-year decline in U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic for the third week of September. Coal shipments experienced a significant drop, while grain transport showed strong performance. Year-to-date figures still indicate growth, suggesting a positive long-term trend. Rail freight volume is considered an economic bellwether, reflecting economic activity and structural shifts. The fluctuations in freight volume provide insights into the overall health and direction of the economy.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Declines in September Amid Economic Uncertainty

US Rail Freight Declines in September Amid Economic Uncertainty

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal traffic declined year-over-year for the week ending September 20. Grain and metallic ores carloads saw gains, while coal, miscellaneous carloads, and nonmetallic minerals experienced declines. Year-to-date figures still indicate overall growth. Rail operators need to improve operational efficiency, expand diversified services, and strengthen technological innovation to address challenges and achieve sustainable development.

01/18/2026 Logistics
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DHL Invests 300M in North American Logistics Tech Upgrade

DHL Invests 300M in North American Logistics Tech Upgrade

DHL Supply Chain is investing $300 million in North America to integrate emerging technologies into 350 facilities and transportation control towers. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency, address e-commerce challenges, and tackle labor shortages through robotics, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things. More than just a technological upgrade, this strategic investment seeks to reshape the North American logistics landscape and lead the industry towards a smarter, more intelligent future. The focus is on optimizing operations and providing innovative solutions to meet evolving customer demands.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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SAP Ariba Discovery Boosts Supply Chain Agility in Logistics

SAP Ariba Discovery Boosts Supply Chain Agility in Logistics

SAP Ariba Discovery connects customers with logistics networks, enabling end-to-end visibility. It efficiently bridges the gap between supply and demand, helping businesses respond quickly to market changes and reduce costs. By providing a centralized platform for sourcing and procurement, Ariba Discovery streamlines the logistics process, fostering collaboration and optimizing resource allocation. This leads to improved efficiency, reduced lead times, and enhanced customer satisfaction. The platform's comprehensive features empower businesses to make informed decisions and achieve significant cost savings within their logistics operations.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Key Factors in Selecting Overseas Warehouses for Crossborder Ecommerce

Key Factors in Selecting Overseas Warehouses for Crossborder Ecommerce

This article delves into the common overseas warehousing models in cross-border e-commerce, including self-owned, third-party, and cooperative warehouses. It details the advantages, disadvantages, and applicable scenarios of each, emphasizing the importance of core services such as local delivery, cross-border logistics, inventory management, and returns/refunds. The aim is to assist cross-border e-commerce sellers in selecting the most suitable overseas warehousing solution to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. This selection is crucial for optimizing the supply chain and improving overall business performance.

02/03/2026 Warehousing
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Home Appliance Giants Struggle in Smart Pet Product Market

Home Appliance Giants Struggle in Smart Pet Product Market

Midea Group's failure in the pet market reflects the challenges facing the pet intelligent products industry. This article analyzes the reasons for the setbacks of giant companies, compares the survival status of focused brands and emerging brands, and explores the opportunities and challenges of overseas strategies. The failure highlights the complexities of the market and the need for specialized expertise. Moving forward, intelligentization and differentiation will be crucial for the development of pet intelligent product companies. Successfully navigating these aspects will determine long-term success in this competitive landscape.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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