US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads but Loses in Container Volume

The latest report from the Association of American Railroads reveals a mixed picture of the US rail freight market. For the week ending December 6th, carload traffic increased by 1.7% year-over-year, while container traffic decreased by 5.4%. Year-to-date figures show a 1.8% increase in both carload and container volume. The report highlights the contrasting trends within the rail freight sector, analyzes the underlying causes, and forecasts future developments. This provides valuable insights for business operations and economic development in the US.

01/17/2026 Logistics
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Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger Faces 85B Challenges

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Merger Faces 85B Challenges

Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion merger is generating controversy, with labor unions raising concerns about competition and safety. Unions fear the merger will negatively impact freight competition and worker safety. Union Pacific emphasizes the potential for increased efficiency, improved service, and job security. The company argues the merger will allow for better resource allocation and enhanced service capabilities. However, labor groups remain skeptical, demanding stronger guarantees regarding worker protections and fair competition in the freight industry. The debate highlights the complex considerations surrounding large-scale railroad consolidation.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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UPS Secures USPS Air Cargo Contract Altering Logistics Sector

UPS Secures USPS Air Cargo Contract Altering Logistics Sector

The shift of the US Postal Service's air cargo contract from FedEx to UPS signifies increased competition and strategic adjustments in the logistics industry. UPS expands its scale and enhances its competitiveness through this partnership. FedEx, facing revenue and market share challenges, may accelerate its transformation and seek new growth opportunities. This transition will impact the competitive landscape and potentially lower shipping costs for consumers. The move highlights the dynamic nature of the logistics sector and the constant need for companies to adapt to changing market conditions.

01/17/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Cut Costs Speed Service

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Cut Costs Speed Service

USPS plans to open its last-mile delivery network, offering services to retailers and logistics providers through a bidding process. This initiative aims to reduce last-mile costs, improve delivery speed, and generate new revenue streams for USPS. Challenges include the complexity of the bidding process and pricing predictability. However, if successful, this move could reshape the US logistics landscape by providing increased capacity and potentially lower costs for shippers. The open bidding process is intended to foster competition and innovation within the delivery sector.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

US Multimodal Transport Faces Supply Chain Challenges Experts Warn

Multimodal expert Larry Gross highlighted significant challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, citing port congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share. He emphasized the diffused responsibility for the supply chain crisis, advocating for increased resilience. Gross predicted a future market shift from west to east, with a corresponding increase in trucking's share. While the damage inflicted in 2021 is repairable, it will require substantial effort. The focus should be on building a more robust and adaptable intermodal system to mitigate future disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Experts Advise on Tackling Global Supply Chain Disruptions

Experts Advise on Tackling Global Supply Chain Disruptions

Larry Gross highlights the recurring issues in supply chains, projecting that the logistics industry will face volatility, policy changes, and uneven demand by 2025. The article emphasizes the need for increased transparency, enhanced risk management, optimized transportation portfolios, strengthened collaboration and synergy, and embracing digital transformation. Furthermore, it calls for supportive government policies to break through the current difficulties and achieve sustainable development in the logistics sector. These strategies are crucial for navigating the complex challenges and fostering a more resilient and efficient supply chain.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Imports Stay Elevated As Port Delays Continue

US Imports Stay Elevated As Port Delays Continue

According to the Descartes Global Shipping Report, US imports in August decreased by 3% month-over-month but remained high, up 12.9% year-over-year, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This high import volume exacerbates port congestion, with delays increasing at the seven major ports. Chinese imports remain a significant driver, growing by 17.2%. The report reveals a slight decrease in the West Coast ports' share and a general increase in port transportation delays. Addressing port congestion requires increased infrastructure investment, optimized operations, and improved inland transportation.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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US Freight Pricing Trends Shift Amid Trade War Uncertainty

US Freight Pricing Trends Shift Amid Trade War Uncertainty

The freight market is experiencing increased uncertainty due to tariffs and consumer confidence fluctuations. Full truckload, parcel, and less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation are each undergoing changes, leading to frequent adjustments in pricing strategies. The impact of tariffs on trade flows is a significant factor influencing freight volumes and rates. Analyzing these trends is crucial for shippers and carriers to navigate the evolving market conditions and optimize their operations. Monitoring freight indices and understanding tariff implications are key to making informed decisions in this dynamic environment.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Edge Logistics Boosts Sustainability in Supply Chains

Edge Logistics Boosts Sustainability in Supply Chains

This paper explores how adopting an "edge logistics" strategy can enhance logistics performance while achieving more sustainable operations. It emphasizes the importance of building a robust network infrastructure, leveraging advanced analytics capabilities, and embracing digital operations. The paper argues that edge logistics represents the future direction of the logistics industry, enabling faster delivery, reduced transportation costs, and improved environmental performance through decentralized and localized logistics solutions. It highlights the potential for increased efficiency and resilience in the face of evolving customer demands and supply chain disruptions.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Tanker Truck Driver Shortage Risks Summer Fuel Supply

Tanker Truck Driver Shortage Risks Summer Fuel Supply

A growing shortage of tanker truck drivers threatens to cause fuel shortages this summer, potentially impacting public transportation and economic activity. This article analyzes the reasons behind the driver shortage and calls for collaborative efforts to address the issue and avert a potential fuel supply crisis. The lack of drivers could disrupt fuel distribution networks, leading to limited availability at gas stations and increased prices. Urgent action is needed to recruit and retain qualified drivers to ensure a stable fuel supply throughout the summer months.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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