US Multimodal Transport Struggles With Congestion Aims for Recovery

US Multimodal Transport Struggles With Congestion Aims for Recovery

Multimodal transport expert Larry Gross highlighted challenges facing US intermodal transportation at the RailTrends conference, including congestion, capacity constraints, and declining market share amid a surge in trucking. He argued that supply chain reshaping requires a focus on resilience and redundancy. Gross anticipates freight volumes to stabilize in 2022, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The need for improved infrastructure and more efficient operations is crucial to regain market share and mitigate the ongoing supply chain disruptions.

US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Expected

US Rail Freight Declines Over Labor Day Longterm Growth Expected

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volumes decreased year-over-year in the first week of September, potentially due to Labor Day. However, year-to-date figures still indicate growth, with varying performance across different market segments. Rail freight faces challenges such as economic uncertainty and infrastructure bottlenecks, but also opportunities from e-commerce growth and manufacturing reshoring. Long-term, it's crucial to monitor trends and structural changes impacting the industry.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Navis Buys Biarri Rail to Boost Global Portrail Digitalization

Navis Buys Biarri Rail to Boost Global Portrail Digitalization

Navis acquired Biarri Rail to expand inland transportation solutions, improve sea-rail intermodal efficiency, and enhance global market competitiveness. By integrating Biarri Rail's rail freight planning and optimization software with Navis' N4 terminal operating system, the acquisition aims to achieve seamless connectivity between seaports and railways, optimize resource allocation, reduce operating costs, and drive digital transformation of the global freight supply chain. This integration promises to streamline operations and improve overall supply chain visibility and efficiency.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Conway Expands Globally with Multimodal Transport and Investments

Conway Expands Globally with Multimodal Transport and Investments

Con-way is actively expanding its global presence and embracing multimodal transportation through initiatives such as launching freight brokerage services in Europe, upgrading intermodal services in North America, and opening a new branch in Texas. These efforts aim to provide customers with more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions to meet the growing demands of global trade. The company is focusing on streamlining supply chains and offering integrated transportation options to improve overall logistics performance for its clients.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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XPO Logistics Splits LTL and Brokerage Units in Strategic Overhaul

XPO Logistics Splits LTL and Brokerage Units in Strategic Overhaul

XPO Logistics plans to spin off its Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and North American truck brokerage businesses into two separate publicly traded companies, and divest its European and North American intermodal operations. This strategic restructuring aims to unlock value, improve operational efficiency, and create more focused and competitive industry leaders, ultimately generating greater returns for customers, employees, and shareholders. The strategic adjustments, expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year, will reshape XPO's business landscape.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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US Supply Chain Strains Amid Truck Driver Shortage High Turnover

US Supply Chain Strains Amid Truck Driver Shortage High Turnover

The US trucking industry faces a high driver turnover crisis, with large freight companies experiencing rates as high as 90%. Contributing factors include industry models, the ELD mandate, and difficulties in obtaining a CDL. Analysts predict potential increases in freight rates or a shift towards intermodal transportation. Solutions involve improving driver compensation and working conditions, embracing new technologies, and streamlining regulations. Addressing these issues is crucial to mitigating the freight crisis and controlling rising logistics costs.

North American Rail Freight Boom Tests Supply Chains

North American Rail Freight Boom Tests Supply Chains

The North American rail industry is undergoing a reshaping driven by factors like rail consolidation, the rise of intermodal corridors, and shifts in energy markets, all impacting freight patterns. Shippers need to pay close attention to these developments. Diversifying transportation channels, strengthening communication with rail companies, and embracing technological innovation are crucial for adapting to the evolving market environment. These strategies are essential for ensuring supply chain stability and maintaining competitiveness in the face of these changes.

Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Freight Sector

Major Investments Aim to Revive Struggling Rail Freight Sector

Facing declining service quality and poor performance, rail and intermodal service providers are investing heavily to return to pre-recession peaks. These investments focus on upgrading infrastructure, optimizing operational processes, and adopting advanced technologies. Beyond hardware upgrades, industry experts emphasize the importance of software-level optimization for achieving significant improvements in efficiency and profitability. The goal is to enhance service reliability, reduce costs, and improve overall return on investment through strategic operational improvements and technological advancements.

Freight Market Rebounds As Capacity Consumer Spending Rise

Freight Market Rebounds As Capacity Consumer Spending Rise

The freight market is showing signs of recovery, driven by rebounding capacity and increased consumer spending. U.S. import volumes continue to grow, with positive trends observed in trucking, intermodal, and rail transportation. While uncertainties remain, the market outlook is more optimistic than before, offering a glimmer of hope for the industry. The recovery is fueled by both the ability to move goods (capacity recovery) and the demand for those goods (consumer spending), leading to increased freight activity.

Freight Market Rebounds As Capacity and Spending Rise

Freight Market Rebounds As Capacity and Spending Rise

The freight market shows signs of recovery after multiple challenges, driven by rebounding capacity and increased consumer spending. The surge in import volume is influenced by both short-term factors and long-term trends. Trucking and rail transportation are both exhibiting positive momentum in land transport. Growth in intermodal volume reflects robust consumer spending, while shifts in consumer spending patterns also significantly impact the freight market. Despite remaining uncertainties, positive signals are emerging, warranting cautious optimism.