North American Intermodal Volume Rebounds Eyes Yearend Growth

North American Intermodal Volume Rebounds Eyes Yearend Growth

North American intermodal volumes rebounded in August, signaling a potential recovery, according to the Intermodal Association of North America. Domestic containers and international ISO containers led the growth, though year-to-date figures remain challenging. Experts suggest a flattening peak season, with inflation and diesel prices presenting both opportunities and challenges. Companies should optimize their supply chains, enhance services, and embrace digitalization to capitalize on the upcoming peak season. The rebound indicates a positive trend despite ongoing economic uncertainties affecting freight transportation.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Decline Reflects Trade Logistics Risks

US Rail Freight Decline Reflects Trade Logistics Risks

US rail freight and intermodal volumes declined year-over-year in January, influenced by manufacturing weakness and trade uncertainty. While growth in some commodity categories offered hope, significant declines in coal and grain shipments were the primary drivers. Businesses should diversify supply chains, optimize inventory, strengthen risk assessments, embrace digitalization, and monitor policy changes to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. The decrease highlights the importance of proactive risk management and strategic adaptation in the face of evolving economic conditions and global trade dynamics.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

US Rail Freight Sees Winter Carload Drop Amid Intermodal Growth

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight in February presented a mixed picture. Carload volume plummeted 11.1% year-over-year, dragged down by declining demand for coal, building materials, and automobiles. However, container traffic bucked the trend, growing by 1.8%, demonstrating the resilience of intermodal transportation. Severe weather exacerbated the challenges for traditional freight, highlighting the impact of economic restructuring and supply chain bottlenecks. Rail freight needs to actively transform, embracing intermodal solutions and digital technologies, to achieve a resurgence.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

US Rail Freight Sees Container Growth Offset Coal Decline

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in October was mixed. Container traffic increased year-over-year, reaching a 28-month high, driven by economic resilience and supply chain optimization. However, coal transportation declined, dragging down overall carload volume. Year-to-date figures also show a decrease in container traffic, influenced by the energy transition. The Panama Canal congestion may boost demand for rail container transport. The rail freight market faces both opportunities and challenges in the future.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Intermodal Sector

Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Intermodal Sector

Faced with service issues and declining performance, rail and intermodal providers are maintaining record investment levels to address current challenges and strive to return to pre-recession performance. However, experts point out that simply increasing investment may not fundamentally solve the problems. What's more important is how to effectively translate capital into tangible operational improvements. The key lies in optimizing processes, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration across the supply chain to maximize the return on investment and achieve sustainable operational efficiency.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Trucking Industry Set for Growth As Freight Demand Rises ATA Says

Trucking Industry Set for Growth As Freight Demand Rises ATA Says

The American Trucking Associations forecasts significant growth in total U.S. freight volume over the next decade, with trucking maintaining its dominant position. The report analyzes opportunities and challenges in segments like truckload, rail intermodal, and rail, emphasizing the crucial role of trucking in the national economy. It also proposes strategies for addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities presented by the projected freight growth. Trucking will remain a vital component of the supply chain and overall economic activity in the US.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Raises Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Businesses Warn of Fallout

US Raises Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Businesses Warn of Fallout

The US significantly increased tariffs on imported steel and aluminum to 50%, triggering global trade tensions. The EU, Canada, Mexico, and other countries have voiced their opposition and plan to implement retaliatory measures. Businesses should urgently review their goods, prepare inventory in stages, and actively seek diversified supply chains to cope with the uncertainties brought about by the tariff policy. This proactive approach is crucial for mitigating potential disruptions and maintaining operational stability in the face of escalating trade friction.

01/29/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Roadie CEO Discusses Ecommerce Boom and Lastmile Delivery Challenges

Roadie CEO Discusses Ecommerce Boom and Lastmile Delivery Challenges

The pandemic accelerated e-commerce, straining delivery capacity. Roadie distinguished itself through a crowdsourcing model and local penetration, highlighting the need for retailers to optimize supply chains and customer experiences. This approach addresses the growing demand for faster, more flexible delivery options, particularly in the face of increased online shopping. By leveraging a network of independent drivers, Roadie provides retailers with a scalable and cost-effective solution to meet evolving consumer expectations for rapid fulfillment and improved last-mile logistics.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ecommerce Logistics Evolves with Lastmile Delivery Focus

Ecommerce Logistics Evolves with Lastmile Delivery Focus

Rick Watson, founder of RMW Consulting, provides an in-depth analysis of e-commerce logistics. He examines supply chain challenges, the competition between UPS, FedEx, and Amazon, parcel rates and pricing, last-mile delivery innovations, and peak season logistics strategies. This analysis offers e-commerce businesses practical solutions to navigate the complexities of modern e-commerce fulfillment and optimize their logistics operations for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He highlights key areas for improvement and adaptation in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ottawa Logistics Booms 200 with Ecommerce Shift

Ottawa Logistics Booms 200 with Ecommerce Shift

Ottawa Logistics successfully transformed into e-commerce logistics by optimizing picking and packing processes, reducing order errors, and collaborating with technology experts, resulting in a nearly 190% increase in order volume within a year. This article shares their transformation experience and announces a webinar to delve deeper into e-commerce logistics strategies and methods, helping businesses optimize warehousing costs and win in the supply chain. Learn how they streamlined operations and leveraged technology to achieve significant growth in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

01/28/2026 Warehousing
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