Rail Expert Tony Hatch Analyzes Freight and Intermodal Trends

Rail Expert Tony Hatch Analyzes Freight and Intermodal Trends

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future trends of the rail freight market, highlighting the insights of industry expert Tony Hatch. It covers key issues such as market conditions, service levels, freight volumes, potential mergers and acquisitions, the impact of the pandemic, rail policies, and intermodal transportation. Through “The Logistics Management Podcast,” readers can gain insights into industry dynamics and seize development opportunities. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the rail freight landscape and its evolving challenges and prospects.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Rises in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

Data from the Association of American Railroads shows a mixed picture for the US rail freight market in late January. Carload traffic experienced a slight increase, driven by sectors like nonmetallic minerals, coal, and automotive. However, intermodal traffic continued to decline, potentially due to easing port congestion, inventory adjustments, and slowing consumer spending. Overall, North American rail freight saw a slight decrease. The rail freight market faces a future with both challenges and opportunities.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines in January

US Rail Freight Carloads Rise Intermodal Declines in January

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight performance in late January presented a mixed picture. Carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year, driven by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic declined by 6.7%, reflecting softening consumer demand and ongoing supply chain challenges. Overall North American rail traffic saw a slight decrease. Key influencing factors going forward include the broader macroeconomic environment, supply chain resilience, the energy transition, and technological innovation.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic increased by 3.3% year-over-year in the week ending January 21st, while intermodal volume decreased by 6.7%. Cumulative data for the first three weeks of the year shows a 3% increase in carloads and an 8.4% decrease in intermodal volume. Overall, North American rail freight presents a mixed picture, with the market influenced by a combination of economic conditions, supply chains, and energy prices.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

US Rail Freight Automotive Grain Up As Intermodal Lags

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported a mixed performance in U.S. rail freight for the week ending March 21. Traditional carload traffic saw a slight year-over-year decrease, but grain and automotive shipments performed strongly. Intermodal volume, however, bucked the trend and increased. Year-to-date figures show a small increase in carload volume, while intermodal volume experienced a slight decline. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing a transformation and upgrade, requiring proactive responses to challenges and the seizing of opportunities.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Loses in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carloads increased by 3.3% year-over-year in late January, driven primarily by nonmetallic minerals and coal. However, intermodal traffic decreased by 6.7% year-over-year, suggesting weaker consumer demand. Year-to-date, carloads have increased by 3%, while intermodal traffic has declined by 8.4%. Overall North American rail traffic has slightly decreased, reflecting a complex economic outlook. The contrasting trends in carload and intermodal volumes highlight the mixed signals within the current economic landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Mixed in Early October

US Rail Freight Intermodal Volumes Mixed in Early October

US rail freight traffic saw a slight increase in the first week of October, with intermodal transportation experiencing significant growth. Nonmetallic minerals and other commodities drove the increase, while coal and other commodities declined. Year-to-date cumulative freight volume shows growth. Market risks warrant attention.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Coal Declines in February

US Rail Freight Intermodal Rises Coal Declines in February

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload traffic decreased slightly by 0.7% year-over-year for the week ending February 8. However, intermodal traffic increased by 7.4%. Chemical and nonmetallic minerals carloads increased, while coal and metallic ores carloads declined. Year-to-date, carload traffic is even with last year, while intermodal traffic is up 9.7%. The rail freight market is experiencing structural changes, with intermodal transportation becoming a major driver of growth.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Surges in Early March

US Rail Freight Rises Intermodal Surges in Early March

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight and intermodal volume both increased year-over-year for the week ending March 8, 2025. However, year-to-date, total carload traffic is down 1.5%, while intermodal volume is up 8.4%. Coal and grain shipments increased, while metallic ores, chemicals, and forest products declined. Railroad companies should capitalize on intermodal opportunities and address freight challenges to achieve sustainable growth.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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US Rail Freight Rebounds As Carload Intermodal Traffic Rises

US Rail Freight Rebounds As Carload Intermodal Traffic Rises

According to the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail carload and intermodal traffic both increased year-over-year for the week ending March 8th. Coal and grain were key drivers for carload growth, while intermodal continued its strong performance. Year-to-date figures show intermodal growth offsetting the decline in carload volume. The U.S. rail freight market is undergoing structural changes, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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